Debut goal not enough for midfielder
It was a day of mixed emotions for Carl Baker.
The midfielder scored on his Pompey debut and linked up particularly well with fellow midfielder Gary Roberts.
But there was still a sense of frustration that an opening day clash with Carlisle only yielded a single point.
Baker slotted home just before the break to cancel out Reggie Lambe’s opener and the Blues went on to have plenty of chances.
But Pompey were denied by the brilliance of Mark Gillespie, while Danny Rose also saw a shot strike the post.
Baker said: “I thought I did okay, although I probably could have scored a couple more if I’m honest.
“It’s always pleasing to get a goal on your debut, but it’s just disappointing that we couldn’t get that win.
“With players like Roberts in your side, you can make runs and he’ll get the ball to you. It was a nice feeling to see it go in.
“The game was very one-sided and you probably could have pulled our goal up to the halfway line!
“The keeper made some great saves and it was frustrating at times because we created so many chances.
“It wasn’t through a lack of effort or poor performance, so we just have to stay positive and be ready to go again.”
Carlisle were reduced to 10 men midway through the first half when Jamie Devitt – who had already been booked for a foul on Drew Talbot – tugged back Roberts and received his marching orders.
Baker said: “The first tackle wasn’t great and he might have been lucky to stay on for that, but a few lads were saying the second was a bit harsh.
“It probably made it even more difficult when they had a man sent off – their formation at the end was 5-4-0.
“There were a lot of bodies in the box and fair play to them because they parked the bus and got a good result.
“Carlisle are a good side and I’m sure they won’t play like that every week, but that’s something we have to expect because they won’t be the only ones.”