Midfielder discusses Pompey's promotion bid
It has been a while since Pompey have approached the end of a campaign with a feeling of anticipation in the air.
Over the past few years, April either means the Blues are resigned to relegation or have nothing but pride to play for.
But it is a different story this season – with Paul Cook’s side very much in the hunt for promotion.
Saturday’s 1-0 victory over Carlisle – courtesy of Michael Smith’s second half strike – leaves them well placed to secure a play-off spot and still within reach of the top three.
And Danny Hollands is delighted that there is so much riding on Pompey’s final seven matches.
The midfielder said: “It was a massive win for us – but they’re all massive games now until the end of the season.
“If we want to push the sides above us and go up automatically then we need to keep picking up three points.
“We were sloppy in the first half and it turned into a bit of a scrap, although Carlisle got the ball down and played some nice stuff.
“But we showed our intentions right from the first whistle of the second. We got after them and might have had a couple more goals.
“It’s very tight at the top, so it should be an exciting end to the season and hopefully it will be a successful one for us.
“We just need to take each game as it comes, stay positive and upbeat, and be ready to perform.”
Hollands believes that Pompey’s 12th man have an important role to play in the battle for promotion.
He said: “The fans were fantastic, as they have been all season. I know there are more than 1,500 travelling up to Dagenham next weekend and that shows you the kind of support we have.
“They’ve constantly backed us and they’ll keep doing that, so we need to do our bit on the pitch.”