Striker revels in winner at Rovers
When the team-sheets were revealed at 2pm, Jayden Stockley’s name was listed among the substitutes.
But he ended up running out to start at Bristol Rovers after Adam McGurk hurt his ankle in the warm-up.
And the striker grabbed his opportunity with both hands, netting the winning goal by converting a Ben Davies cross after Gareth Evans’ opener had been cancelled out by the hosts.
The result took Pompey to the top of the League Two table – and now Stockley hopes they can stay there.
He said: “Adam was in such great form, so it’s disappointing for him and I’m hoping that the injury is not too bad.
“But it’s a fantastic feeling to score a goal – the best you can get in football – so I’m delighted.
“Ben has got crosses like that in his locker and that meant I couldn’t really miss, so he has to take a lot of the credit.
“I looked across to the linesman and was hoping he wouldn’t ruin my day, but thankfully the flag stayed down.
“It’s great to look at the table and see us sitting at the top – hopefully we can stay there. Our confidence is growing and we’re building momentum.
“Obviously we haven’t got a lot of time to enjoy the result because we’ve got two important home games coming up.
“Hopefully we can put on a couple of good shows at Fratton Park because we can’t afford to take our foot off the gas for a second.”
The goal capped a great fortnight for Stockley, who recently celebrated becoming a father.
He said: “It’s been absolutely fantastic – I couldn’t wish for anything better. I’m looking forward to going home now and enjoying the win with them.
“I know I said that scoring goals was a great feeling, but I’m afraid that comes second to the birth of my daughter.”