Midfielder happy with Crawley display
Pompey have dominated plenty of matches at Fratton Park since Paul Cook took charge.
That does not always guarantee success, however, as plenty of stubborn, defence-minded opponents will attest to.
So Carl Baker was delighted that the Blues had lots of goals to show for their attractive, high-tempo display against Crawley.
All three of them arrived before the break, with Curtis Main bagging a brace and Gary Roberts on target yet again.
And Baker believes that the first of those arriving just nine minutes into the game was key to Pompey’s success.
The midfielder said: “We played really well in the first half. The lads worked their socks off and we were rewarded for that.
“It was similar to how we performed against Carlisle on the opening day, but this time we got the early goal.
“It’s frustrating when you put some good passages of play together and nothing comes of it, so it was nice to see that first one hit the back of the net.
“We’ve been saying that for a while – if we can get that first one then the opposition have to come out of their shells.
“Crawley are a very young side and we knew they would come here and want to pass the ball around.
“But we got in their faces from the start and didn’t give them any time to settle. We pressed all over the park and dominated the game.
“Robbo’s goal came from pressing them high up the pitch and as soon as the ball fell to him, you knew he was going to finish it.”
The victory was Pompey’s third in a row in League Two and Baker wants to see that run continue when they host Wycombe next Saturday.
He said: “It’s another home game coming up now and the boys are buzzing because we’re moving in the right direction.
“When you put three wins together you’re full of confidence and more things seem to go your way, so hopefully we can keep this going.”