Forde hails defensive solidity ahead of Blackpool test
It was shut-out number 12 for David Forde at the weekend as Pompey saw off Accrington.
No League Two keeper has kept more clean sheets than the Blues’ custodian between the sticks this season.
Exeter’s Christy Pym is the closest challenger, having successfully protected his goal on 11 occasions so far.
And Forde believes a settled back-line is the main reason why Pompey have been so stingy at the back.
He said: “We’ve been very solid throughout the season and that’s reflected in the number of clean sheets we’ve had this year.
“But we’re also slightly disappointed because there could have been more – that’s the nature of the game.
“It builds consistency and confidence when you play week in, week out with the same players. You get to know each other’s strengths and weaknesses.
“Matt Clarke’s been rock solid and has got a great future ahead of him. He’s a fantastic young professional, and is very hungry and disciplined.
“I was delighted to see him score on Saturday and felt he was outstanding throughout the game.
“As a defensive unit we’re pretty pleased with how things have gone and are desperate to maintain that form in our remaining fixtures.”
Forde hopes that Pompey can continue to frustrate opposition strikers when they host Blackpool tonight.
He said: “We just need to keep believing in what we’re doing and this is now the biggest game of the season – because it’s the next one.
“It was a disappointing result there earlier in the season and so now we’re going to look to rectify that.
“That will keep us on the coattails of those automatic promotion places and I’m confident that with the players and management we have – and also the fans – that we can achieve our goals.”