Assistant manager hasn't given up on title
A promotion hangover at Fratton Park might have been expected.
Pompey’s players celebrated Monday’s success as much as the fans, with a few alcoholic beverages consumed in the aftermath.
But any suggestions that they would not be taking their remaining games seriously were brushed aside with a 2-1 victory over Cambridge.
Goals from Carl Baker and Kal Naismith secured the win, despite Luke Berry reducing the deficit late on.
And with the League Two title still a possibility following dropped points for Doncaster and Plymouth, Leam Richardson insists that the Blues will keep fighting.
Pompey’s assistant manager said: “At the start of the season you look to make the play-offs, once that’s secure you want promotion and when that’s done you try to win the league.
“While that’s still mathematically possible, we’ll certainly look to give it a right go and keep our fingers crossed.
“So it was a great result and we were very good in parts against an honest Cambridge side.
“Our lads certainly had to defend at times and there was an aerial threat from set-pieces, so we had to be switched on. We acquitted ourselves well.
“We had to stay professional and we look to win every game we take part in, especially because there are sides all around the country with so much still to play for.”
The Fratton faithful were given their first glimpses of winter signings Stanley Aborah and Nicke Kabamba, who both started the game.
Richardson said: “It’s pleasing to see lads making their home debuts and the reception that they got from the crowd.
“We watched Stanley from afar last season and knew what a good player he was – the only disappointing thing is that he hasn’t been able to get on the pitch more.
“Nicke has settled in well and the dressing room is the better for his introduction to it, so I’m sure he’ll be made up.”
Watch Richardson’s thoughts on the game below or subscribe to Pompey PlayerHD for full post-match video content.