Chaplin hails Roberts partnership
It was a moment of magic that set Pompey on the path to victory.
Trailing to a John Akinde penalty, the Fratton faithful were desperate for something to cheer before half-time.
That is exactly what they got when Conor Chaplin raced onto a sublime pass from Gary Roberts and coolly slotted home.
And the goalscorer was full of praise for the man who teed him up to score his second goal of the season.
Chaplin said: “I don’t think anyone else on the pitch would have put me in. That’s the kind of partnership we’ve got and we work on it in training.
“If he’d have shot then I would have had a go at him, but he makes the right passes at the right time and that’s why he’s such a good player.
“We’ve got a great relationship on and off the pitch and he helps me a lot. We clicked as soon as he came to the club.
“We both like to play the game on the floor and with quick one-twos – it’s perfect for me.”
Pompey went on to secure an emphatic 5-1 win, with Carl Baker, Roberts, Milan Lalkovic and Danny Rose all finding the target following the interval.
It took them back up to second position in the League Two table and Chaplin was pleased that there was no hangover from their Accrington defeat.
He said: “After what happened seven days earlier, it was good to get back to winning ways – that was the most important thing.
“It was a very enjoyable afternoon for us and similar to the same fixture last season.
“We knew that Barnet would come out fighting because opposition teams always do when they come to Fratton Park.
“So I was pleased to get the goal before half-time and we went on to win the game. Job done.”