Assistant boss disappointed with a draw
A draw against Cheltenham moved Pompey back into the top half of the League Two table.
But for Gary Waddock it was a case of two points dropped as the Blues failed to see off their struggling visitors.
It had all started so well, with Matt Tubbs converting Andy Barcham’s cross to brighten the mood of the Fratton faithful.
Eliot Richards and Will Packwood soon turned the match on its head, however, before Ryan Taylor levelled before the break.
Wes Fogden and Paul McCallum were both brought off the bench in the second half, but Cheltenham defended deep to protect their point.
“It was a frustrating evening for us,” said assistant manager Waddock. “We should have done better with the goals we conceded.
“They pegged us back straight away and then went ahead, which gave them something to hold on to.
“We found it difficult to break them down in the second half, despite throwing on attacking players.
“Credit to Cheltenham because they were solid and we were unable to open them up and create enough chances.
“They sat deep and there was no space in behind them for us to exploit, so their game-plan has worked.
“It’s a point gained, but we were looking to win the game and claim all three of them.
“For us to push forward and move on we have to win our home games – and the crowd did their part by getting behind the team.”
Pompey were dealt two more injury blows, as Andy Barcham and Jack Whatmough both joined Paul Robinson in the treatment room.
Waddock said: “Andy was having an extremely good first half and had to come off at the break and then Jack went off at the end.
“We also lost Paul Robinson at the weekend and he’s an experienced figure who’s been excellent for us.
“But we have to dust ourselves down and look to go again at AFC Wimbledon on Saturday.”