Boss excited about Ipswich replay
There was plenty of frustration among Pompey supporters at the weekend.
Many were driving up the motorway and well on their way to Accrington when news of a frozen pitch began to filter through.
It means that they have not seen their side in action since the 2-2 Emirates FA Cup draw at Ipswich.
And Paul Cook hopes his side can lift the mood by seeing off the Tractor Boys in Tuesday night’s Fratton replay.
The Blues boss said: “It was a huge disappointment when the game was called off, but sometimes there’s just nothing you could do.
“The pitch wasn’t playable at all – it’s just disappointing for us and all our travelling supporters.
“But we’ll pick ourselves up and look forward to a game against Ipswich that whets the appetite for everyone.
“There are no eyes on the Oxford game at the moment and we won’t be resting players for that.
“We know that our supporters will once again turn out in big numbers and hopefully we can send them home happy.”
Ipswich currently sit seventh in the second tier of English football and have claimed four points from two league games since last facing Pompey.
Cook said: “Championship players will be expected to beat League Two opposition and they probably weren’t at their best in the last meeting.
“I’m sure we’ll have earned Ipswich’s respect and we might see a different animal, but our job is just to go out and do our best.
“If they come down and play their strongest side then we’ll definitely have our hands full, but then that’s probably the case with whoever’s in the team.
“It’s going to be difficult, but with the attraction of a fourth round tie at home to Bournemouth on offer, it’s something we want to achieve.”
Watch Cook’s thoughts on the game below or subscribe to Pompey PlayerHD for extended interviews with the manager and Christian Burgess.