Boss hoping to bounce back against Doncaster
From the sublime to the ridiculous.
Pompey fans are getting used to seeing extreme levels of performances from their side this season.
Just a few days after the 5-1 demolition of Barnet at Fratton Park, there were sloppy mistakes in a 3-1 away defeat to Blackpool.
So supporters will be relieved to see the action returning to the south coast this weekend for the visit of Doncaster.
And Paul Cook hopes that his side can make a quick recovery from their midweek disappointment and return to winning ways.
The Blues boss said: “It’s been a difficult week. Last season we looked so confident on the road and were comfortable with what we did, but now it seems to be the opposite.
“But the players who took to the field on Tuesday night were the same ones fans were eulogising about on Saturday.
“You want to have a level of performance, but to go from one extreme to the other like we do is disappointing.
“We have a habit of following really good displays up with ones that aren’t so good – that’s the reality of my time here.
“But we also have a ‘bounce back’ factor which means we don’t normally stay on the floor for very long.
“So we have to continue what we’re doing at home, while also addressing what’s happening when we go away.”
Pompey face a Doncaster side who sit above them on goal difference in their quest to make a quick return to League One.
Cook said: “We’re playing a very good side, who you would expect to see around the promotion places come the end of the season.
“I would expect it to be an open encounter – Darren Ferguson has got a similar outlook to the game as me.
“I played with him at Wolves a few years ago and know him well. He’s a lovely lad and it was refreshing to see Doncaster stick with a manager after getting relegated last season.
“They’re sitting third in the table and have got a really decent chance of going up, so it shows what consistency can do.
“It’s a good club, with good players and a good manager – when you throw them all into the mix then you’ve got a chance. They’ll be a threat for anyone.”
Tickets are still available for Saturday’s clash – click here to secure your seat.
Watch Cook’s thoughts on the game below or subscribe to Pompey PlayerHD for extended highlights.