Boss reflects on Hawks rout
Pompey continued their free-scoring pre-season form with a 5-0 rout of Havant & Waterlooville.
Carl Baker netted twice at Westleigh Park, with Gary Roberts, trialist Noel Hunt and Curtis Main also on target.
It takes the tally of friendly goals to an impressive 10 in three games, with five warm-up matches remaining.
Paul Cook knows that this is not the time to get carried away, however, and is more concerned with how his side fares once the League Two campaign gets underway next month.
The Blues boss said: “It was a nice, pleasing night for us and it’s always great to play one of our local teams.
“The game was competitive and there were some pleasing aspects to our play and also some bad aspects.
“It was such a large crowd and we were happy to help out a side who have been good to us in the past.
“The results in games like these don’t really mean anything and the important thing is that the players have some more minutes under their belts.
“It’s going to be a long season and we’ve got a target that will be there for everyone to see.
“The most important thing for me is that I think our squad has improved and we’ve got a lot more firepower.”
First year professional Christian Oxlade-Chamberlain came off the bench to play a key role in Pompey’s fifth goal, while academy starlets Theo Widdrington, Jez Bedford and Harvey Bradbury also featured.
Cook said: “Christian came on in the second half and immediately looked to be a bright prospect.
“Fingers crossed that all the kids who came on can continue to work hard to improve their game. It was a good night for them.”
Watch Cook’s thoughts on the game below or subscribe to Pompey PlayerHD for full post-Hawks coverage.