Boss reflects on Wycombe win
There has been little for the Fratton faithful to cheer over the past few years.
But a 2-1 victory over Wycombe was an important milestone in the bid to rise out of the Football League basement.
The result means that Pompey have virtually guaranteed a place in the top seven this season with three games left to play.
Gary Roberts and Conor Chaplin were on target against the Chairboys, who set-up a nervy finale through Sido Jombati’s free-kick.
Paul Cook felt it was more tense than it should have been, but was pleased with the final outcome.
The Blues boss said: “We’re delighted with the victory after a tough week and the lads showed great character to see the game out.
“Gary’s a massive player for us and I think everyone can see the impact he has on games for us. He’s such a talented lad and good to have in the dressing room.
“Once we got the second you would expect us to go on and win the match more comfortably than we did.
“There was a spell in the first half where we really got to grips with the game and put a lot of crosses into the box. But in the second we were sat deep and couldn’t retain possession.
“It was a typical Pompey performance – at times we were breathtaking and at others we looked flat.
“But we’re quite pleased with where we are and now we’re looking to give the fans something more to smile about.
“The reality is that we should make the play-offs now and that’s some kind of success. We’ve put a marker down and after a few years of dropping, we’re starting to climb again.
“The play-offs wasn’t what we wanted at times this season, but we’ve got to see things out professionally.”
Chaplin was brought on alongside Kieron Freeman on the hour mark and Cook was pleased with their contributions.
He said: “I waited against Plymouth and felt I should have made changes sooner, so I wasn’t going to wait this time.
“Conor keeps getting five minutes here and there, but he needs time out on the pitch for us.
“Kieron’s a very good player and our fans will have seen glimpses of that, while it will do Ben Davies good to have a little rest.”
Watch Cook’s thoughts on the game below or subscribe to Pompey PlayerHD to watch extended interviews with the manager and Chaplin.