Boss looks ahead to Accrington clash
Paul Cook believes there are plenty of reasons for Pompey to stay positive.
His side host Accrington this weekend on the back of successive league losses to Exeter and Wycombe.
That has seen them drop to seventh in the League Two standings and seven points off the automatic promotion places.
But a strong showing in their defeat at Adams Park has provided hope of a return to winning ways against 19th-placed Stanley.
The Blues boss said: “There’s such a clamour for success at this club and the effect a defeat has on us is huge.
“But I enjoyed watching us last week – I really did. It looked like the way I’ve had my teams playing at previous clubs.
“It was a strong performance with plenty of good movement and we stretched the game. We kept a strong Wycombe team very quiet.
“So it’s important to stay positive because I was encouraged with a lot of what I saw and want more of the same on Saturday.
“Accrington have had an indifferent season so far, although there were two fantastic cup runs, which are always huge for clubs like them.
“I’m sure the lads will be a little bit disappointed with where they are in the league, but they’re forever overachieving and fight well above their weight. They’re a massive success story.
“They were a breath away from being a promoted team last year and deserve all the plaudits in the world.”
Cook hopes that three points against Stanley will spark a more consistent batch of victories to aid Pompey’s promotion quest.
He said: “There are 18 games to go and we’re looking to find that magic formula that sees you go on a winning run.
“But it’s very much a case of taking one match at a time. We’re looking to beat Accrington and then move on to the next one.
“We have to prepare properly and do all the rights things that will hopefully lead on to a successful run.”
Striker Eoin Doyle made his debut at Adams Park and Cook believes he will improve with more matches under his belt.
He said: “Eoin hasn’t played a lot of football and he will only get stronger. He adds something to our team that makes us better and is comfortable in the role we want him to play.”
Watch Cook’s thoughts on the game below or subscribe to Pompey PlayerHD for full pre-match video content.