PORTSMOUTH FOOTBALL CLUB

Pompey pay a visit to a side at the wrong end of the League Two table on Saturday.

While Paul Cook’s troops are lying just three points adrift of the automatic promotion spots, it is a different story for Cheltenham.

Last season’s National League champions are currently hovering above the fourth tier trapdoor in 21st position.

But they have lost just one of their last seven league fixtures and thrashed Crewe on their own patch in an FA Cup replay earlier in the week.

And Paul Cook insists that Pompey will not be taking the Robins lightly when they make the trip to Whaddon Road.

The Blues boss said: “Cheltenham are a strong side and will take great confidence from an excellent result on Tuesday night.

“If you watched them play at Crewe you’d have come away thinking there’s no reason why they can’t do well in League Two.

“Clubs get used to winning and they certainly had that feeling when they won promotion last season.

“They’ve acquitted themselves well at a higher level and we know that we’ll be in for a tough test this weekend.

“Gary Johnson’s done an excellent job there and is someone who’s been there, done it and knows the game.

“They’re well balanced, with the right people in the right areas. They’re physically strong, but have also got quality.”

Pompey have won their past two league games against Cambridge and Mansfield, so Cook wants to see that run extended.

He said: “It was often talked about last season that we could only string together two successive wins.

“We’ve already managed to have four victories this time around and now we’re going to try to go on another run.

“The lads are getting hardened to life at a big club like Pompey and the experiences – both good and bad – will make them stronger.”

Watch Cook's thoughts on the game below or subscribe to Pompey PlayerHD for full pre-match content.