Boss knows his side have to do better
Andy Awford says there are no excuses for Pompey’s position in the League Two table.
The Blues are currently down in 18th position, having collected only three points from their last eight matches.
It does not get any easier with a trip to table topping Wycombe on the cards this weekend.
And Awford knows there needs to be an improvement if Pompey are to turn their form around.
The Blues boss said: “The table doesn’t lie after 26 games and there are no excuses – we are where we are because that’s where we deserve to be.
“We need everyone together if we’re going to get some wins and start climbing up the league.
“Our confidence levels have obviously been affected, although I have to say that the lads have been fantastic in training this week.
“They could have been affected by all the speculation that’s been flying around, but they’ve remained very professional.
“Confidence and consistency are the two things we’re striving for – we’ve had some good performances lately and we have to maintain that.”
Wycombe are one point clear of second-placed Shrewsbury, despite having won just five of their last seven games.
Awford said: “They are top of the league, so there pressure’s all on them and most people will expect a home win.
“They’ve done a fantastic job to get there and hopefully our lads can go out and play with a bit of freedom.
“Wycombe almost went out of the league last year and haven’t had a massive overhaul, so every side can look at them and see how it can turn around.”
Awford could hand a debut to Josh Passley at Adams Park, following the right-back’s arrival on loan from Fulham.
He said: “We’ve struggled in that area this season. We’ve tried a few different people there and nobody’s nailed the position down.
“I wanted to strengthen there and when Kit Symons told me he was available, we moved to bring him here.
“He did very well for Shrewsbury earlier in the season and we’re delighted to have him here.”
Pompey are 3/1 with Sky Bet to win at Wycombe. Bet at www.skybet.com/pompey to help the Blues claim £250,000 from the Sky Bet Transfer Fund.