PORTSMOUTH FOOTBALL CLUB

Both Pompey and Plymouth have automatic promotion firmly in their sights.

But Paul Cook will not be hanging out the bunting until his side have crossed the line and mathematically secured their spot in the top three.

Their Good Friday opponents could be celebrating if they win at Fratton Park and other results land in their favour.

Meanwhile, the earliest Pompey could guarantee promotion is Easter Monday, not that Cook is looking that far ahead.

The Blues boss said: “It’s been a good week and the lads are remaining focused with five games to go and a lot to play for.

“A couple of wins on the bounce now would cement us in a strong position, but there’s no use talking about it – we have to do it.

“The Plymouth match is a great one to be involved in and it’s something we’ve all been looking forward to for a long time.

“We haven’t achieved anything yet this season and some people are getting carried away, but the most important thing for us is concentrating on the next test and doing our best to win it.

“A victory for us would disappoint a couple of other sides in the division, but it wouldn’t mean that we were definitely up.”

A top-of-the-table match against Argyle will ultimately bring back painful memories of the sides meeting at the end of last season.

Cook said: “We were beaten in the play-offs fair and square – we didn’t have a lot left to give at the end of the game at Home Park.

“Our lads had given their all and it was Plymouth who were able to go on and enjoy a day out at Wembley.

“We had to lick our wounds, come back for this season and try to do better – at the moment we’re going along okay.”

There will be a full house on Friday to watch the Plymouth clash, while almost 4,500 fans are making the trip to Notts County on Easter Monday.

Cook said: “This city will always support their football club. We’re delighted with that backing and want to do our best to make them happy.”