Boss looks ahead to York test
Fratton Park was left deflated following Plymouth’s smash-and-grab victory at the weekend.
But Paul Cook does not have long to revive his troops ahead of the long trip north to face York on Tuesday night.
Pompey now sit sixth in the League Two table and are six points adrift of the final automatic promotion spot, with a game in hand over all the sides above them.
And, with just five fixtures remaining, Cook insists that they will keep fighting until the end.
The Blues boss said: “The Plymouth game is gone and we’re just looking forward to facing York now.
“At this stage of the season the matches come thick and fast, so you don’t have time to wallow or gloat in results.
“It’s not about where you are after 40, 41 or 42 fixtures, it’s all about your league position after 46.
“Whether we’re in the play-offs, miss out completely or go up automatically – that will be where we deserve to finish.
“You can’t guarantee results or performances, but we’ll keep believing in what we’re trying to do and maintain our standards and professionalism.
“I can assure them that the character is there in our squad – nobody has to worry about that. We’ve got it in abundance.
“The atmosphere at the end of the first half on Saturday was as good as I’ve seen at Fratton Park and I can guarantee to our supporters that we’ll move heaven and earth to try to recreate that.”
Pompey face a York side who know that even a victory might not be enough to delay their likely relegation.
Cook said: “Their biggest threat is the fact that they’re fighting for their lives and will want to keep their season going.
“Jackie McNamara came in at a very difficult time and it’s been tough for him, but my sole focus is trying to prepare a team to collect all three points.”
Watch Cook’s thoughts on the game below or subscribe to Pompey PlayerHD for extended interviews with the manager and Michael Doyle.