Boss looking to close gap by beating Stanley
There is plenty at stake when Pompey visit Accrington on Tuesday night.
The sides sitting fourth and fifth clash at the Wham Stadium, with both looking to make a late bid for automatic promotion.
A win for the visitors would leave them sitting just six points behind third-placed Plymouth – who they still have to host in April.
And Paul Cook insists that his side will be doing all they can to narrow that gap by beating Stanley.
The Blues boss said: “We’re looking forward to a very good game that’s huge for both clubs.
“I’m sure the teams around us will be wanting a draw, but a win for either side will put them in a position to challenge the top three.
“We haven’t put the sides above us under enough pressure, but a victory would mean they suddenly see us in the mirror.
“We don’t go away from home looking to settle, we always want to score goals and get all three points.
“But Accrington have had a really good season and have got players who are full of hunger and desire.
“Whoever wins – it won’t half give that club a boost going into the weekend fixtures.
“If we travel home with the victory then we’ll look forward to the Newport match knowing we’ve come through a tough round of fixtures.”
Cook spent three years at Accrington, ending his playing career there before later returning as boss.
He said: “I had great times as a player, coach and manager and can’t speak highly enough of them.
“They don’t have the infrastructure, facilities and budget that other sides might have, but they can put teams on the pitch capable of beating anyone else in the league.
“Great credit to John Coleman because – excluding ourselves – he’s probably got the best footballing side in the division.
“I always look out for their results and want them to do well – although obviously that won’t be the case on Tuesday night.”
Watch Cook’s thoughts on the game below or subscribe to Pompey PlayerHD for extended interviews with the manager and Kyle Bennett.