Defender says Blues were better team against Plymouth
Pompey were the better team in their Good Friday contest with Plymouth.
That was the view of Matt Clarke following a 1-1 stalemate at Fratton Park that strengthened the promotion aspirations of both sides.
Former Blues striker Jake Jervis headed the visitors into an early lead, only for Gary Roberts to grab a second half leveller.
Clarke was pleased with the way the hosts dominated the contest, but frustrated they could not find another goal.
The centre-back said: “Plymouth started well, while we grew into the game and had control by midway through the first half.
“I don’t think there was anyone inside the stadium who could say that Plymouth were the better team.
“When a side sit in like they do then it’s very difficult to break them down, but we’ll take a point and it could prove very useful come the end of the season.
“The atmosphere added a ‘wow’ factor, although once the referee blows his whistle then you just treat it like a normal game and try to focus on doing your job for the team.
“We’re two clubs who both want the same thing – to get out of this division – but we didn’t treat them differently to any other side.”
Pompey will be promoted on Easter Monday if they beat Notts County and Luton fail to win at Mansfield.
Clarke said: “We can’t rely on anyone else – we just have to do our job and try to take all three points.
“You only want to celebrate once you’ve crossed the line and don’t really want to get too far ahead of yourselves.
“But it would be a great thing to experience with the group of lads that we’ve got here, so hopefully we’ll complete the job sooner rather than later.”
Hard fought point, could be a good one come the end of the season! Time to rest up and go again monday⚽️💙 #PUP
— Matt Clarke (@MatthewClarke96) April 14, 2017