Boss not getting carried away ahead of Accrington test
Pompey will be chasing a fifth successive league victory when they visit Accrington on Saturday (3pm kick-off).
They currently sit second in the fourth tier table, with only Plymouth keeping them off top spot.
But with 39 games of the 2016/17 campaign still to play, Paul Cook is not overly concerned with that lofty standing at this point.
And while he is happy with his side’s impressive form, the Blues boss knows there is a long way to go.
Cook said: “The games have all been completely different. It was a bit tedious at times against Colchester and we were fortuitous with the penalty we were awarded at Exeter.
“Then it was by far our most convincing display against Crawley and we produced a good all-round performance to beat Wycombe.
“So four games on we find ourselves in a better position, but what have you actually achieved after seven matches? Nothing.
“The moral of the story is that while it’s always nice to win – of course it is – the important thing is how we manage our disappointments because they’re never far away.
“We have belief in what we do – even when things aren’t going so well – and it’s good that the fans have been able to see plenty of entertainment in recent weeks.
“There’s a happy mood among the players and that’s good when you’re trying to build a united squad to win promotion.”
Cook used to play for and manage Accrington, while assistant Leam Richardson, and Adam Buxton, Tom Davies, Kal Naismith and Gary Roberts all have Stanley history.
“It’s just another game for me,” he said. “Saturday’s fixture is all about trying to obtain another three points and that’s all we’re focused on.
“Accrington are a good side with plenty of top players. It’s a different challenge, as every match is, but the important thing is what we do.”
Curtis Main is a doubt for Saturday’s game after being substituted against Wycombe with a head injury.
Cook said; “He got a bad cut over his eye and 20-odd stitches going right the way down the middle of his forehead.
“If we felt it was necessary for him to play then I feel he could. Whether we deem it necessary is something you’ll find out on Saturday.”
Watch Cook’s thoughts on the game below or subscribe to Pompey PlayerHD for full pre-match content.