Skipper reflects on Wycombe win
The weekend is over, but Blues fans will struggle to forget Saturday’s victory over Wycombe in a hurry.
There were goals galore in an action-packed first half at Fratton Park, as the hosts fought from behind to eventually secure a 4-2 triumph.
And there are two things that stick in the mind of Michael Doyle – one positive and one negative.
He was as impressed as everyone else by Conor Chaplin’s stunning strike, but was unhappy with instances of defensive frailty.
Pompey’s skipper said: “It was a bit scrappy at times from us and frustrating to go a goal behind, but we were able to regroup and go ahead.
“Then we conceded again and it looked like we were going in all square at the break, only for Conor to pull out a wonder strike.
“That’s him to a tee. He gives everyone a lift when he comes on and has so much desire – he wants the ball and he wants to score goals.
“He’s able to do things that others aren’t able to do. He’s a top player, has a brilliant attitude and is getting better all the time.
“I wasn’t surprised when he scored that goal because that’s what he was brought on to do.
“When you start sloppy and switch off you get punished. We had to be patient, but we got there in the end.
“We showed great character and I think we’ve learned a lot from the past year – we might have struggled to draw that game last season.
“As good as the result was, I think we could have used the ball a bit better and made life easier for ourselves. There’s a lot for us to work on.”
Pompey will now look to continue their impressive form when they travel to Accrington for their next fixture.
Doyle said: “There’s a bit of a rivalry because the gaffer and Leam used to be there and a couple of their players have switched allegiance to us.
“But just we want to concentrate on ourselves and try to go there and make it five wins on the bounce.”