Boss reflects on Cheltenham stalemate
It looked like Pompey would be made to pay for their profligacy at Cheltenham.
After failing to make the most of several good openings, they fell behind from a free-kick that fell kindly for Daniel O’Shaughnessy to score.
But Michael Smith came off the bench to net his first league goal of the season late on and ensure a share of the spoils.
And while Cook was frustrated not to leave with all three points, he was still able to point to a number of positives.
The Blues boss said: “I thought it was a great game between two very committed sides, playing different styles, but both very effective.
“We took control of the game after half-time, but missed a host of good chances that you have to take away from home.
“When you’re in the ascendancy, you need that little bit of an edge that we seem to lack at the moment.
“Cheltenham put a lot of balls in our box through throw-ins and free-kicks that we gave away needlessly.
“We defended well overall, but unfortunately succumbed to one of those balls that was sent into the area.
“It was obviously disappointing to concede, although I thought we showed great character to keep going and it was great for Smith to get a goal.
“When we come to other people’s grounds it’s always a big game and the attendances will be bigger than usual.
“So we’ve got to be at it, but I thought that both teams were. We probably deserved a victory on clear-cut chances, but Cheltenham will also think a draw was fair.
“We’re always disappointed when we don’t win and now we’ll go to Luton and look to take all three points.”
Pompey were backed by more than 1,500 supporters at Whaddon and Cook singled them out for praise.
He said: “Our fans were absolutely outstanding. They were a credit to our club and magnificent once again.”
Watch Cook’s thoughts on the game below or subscribe to Pompey PlayerHD for full post-match content.