Defender looking forward to season opener
There are now just three weeks remaining until the start of the League Two season.
And the race is on for every member of Pompey’s squad to be fully fit and mentally prepared for the August 6 opener against Carlisle.
The latest warm-up for that Fratton clash was a 2-1 defeat against National League side Sutton at the Borough Sports Ground.
It was not the outcome that Adam Barton was looking for, but he knows that there are more important games around the corner.
The defensive convert said: “It’s another pre-season game ticked off and it’s good for the lads fitness-wise, although obviously it’s a shame about the result.
“You always want to get a positive outcome, but we mainly use these matches to get ready for the new campaign.
“We’ve got some more coming up next week and we’re especially looking forward to being at home against Bournemouth.
“There will be a large crowd as always at Fratton Park and it’ll be a great test against Premier League opposition.
“Everyone’s looking forward to the competitive games when it really matters and we’re building towards that with these friendlies coming thick and fast.”
Pompey played on an artificial surface at Sutton and Barton admits that it took a bit of getting used to.
He said: “It was very hot and the 4G pitch is not something that we’re familiar with, but you can’t really use that as an excuse.
“It’s a lot different from grass and you have to judge the bounce or the way you pass the ball.”