Boss praises work ethic in Coventry triumph
Paul Cook was happy to see a strong Pompey team performance against Coventry.
The Blues faced their toughest pre-season test to date against the League One outfit – and ran out 2-1 winners.
Conor Chaplin opened the scoring early on at Westleigh Park and triallist Gareth Evans doubled the lead before the interval.
A fine George Thomas strike reduced the deficit after the interval, but Coventry were unable to find another goal.
And Cook was delighted that so many of his squad produced impressive showings.
The Blues boss said: “It was a good night for us and there was a great turn-out from our supporters once again.
“There were some decent performances, although as I’ve said before, individuals don’t really win you things.
“So it was nice to also see a solid work ethic and us stronger out of possession. It was a good team display.
“As a manager you shouldn’t want selection to come easy, so it was pleasing to see so many do well.
“The two goalkeepers both made excellent saves – Paul in the first half and there was one from Pokey late on.
“The younger players and so-called ‘triallists’ who came in also did a good job and it was a pleasing night for us.
“It was a good test for us against Coventry. We couldn’t really lose because they’re strong opposition and people probably expected us to lose, so the players deserve a pat on the back.”