Boss reflects on York defeat
Pompey have suffered moments of frustration in their search for promotion this season.
But a 3-1 defeat at struggling York was the first time they have been so comprehensively outplayed.
The hosts certainly did not look like a side who appear destined to be competing in the non-league game next term.
Goals from Bradley Fewster, Lewis Alessandra and Luke Summerfield, however, saw them ease into a comfortable advantage at Bootham Crescent.
Gareth Evans’ consolation provided some respite for the beleaguered travelling support in an incredibly open second half.
But York missed a hatful of chances and Paul Cook conceded that their victory might have been even more resounding.
The Blues boss said: “The scoreline speaks for itself – and it probably wasn’t a fair reflection of the game.
“I thought we did very well to get out of there having only been beaten 3-1. With the way we performed, I’m glad that we’ve already got 69 points.
“It’s been a long season and it looks like it will end a certain way, but we’ve now come under a bit of pressure to make sure that happens.
“The performance was a long way from where we want to be and as the leader of the group, I have to shoulder the blame.
“Unfortunately for us, we were by far the second best team out on the pitch and York were absolutely outstanding.
“They were a credit to Jackie McNamara and to their club – and they should have beaten us by a lot more.
“It’s the most disappointing result we’ve had all season and we were totally outplayed and dominated.
“The games come thick and fast now and we have to move on to a big one at home this weekend.”
There was more bad news for the Blues, with Adam Webster and Kyle Bennett both limping off injured.
Cook said: “It looks like they’ve both hurt their ankles quite badly, but hopefully Christian Burgess and Gary Roberts will be back for Saturday.”