Title up for grabs against Cheltenham
There is one more game to play before Pompey’s squad can take a well-earned break.
Not that thoughts of cocktails and sandy beaches are currently at the forefront of Matt Clarke’s mind.
The Blues go into this weekend’s final match against Cheltenham knowing that victory would secure the title if both Plymouth and Doncaster drop points.
And Clarke knows that whatever the outcome, he can look back on a successful season on the south coast.
The defender said: “If you’d said at the start of February that we’d be in this position, I don’t think anyone would have believed you.
“All we can do now is win our game on Saturday and then hope that some other results can go our way.
“It’s been a great campaign and I’ve enjoyed playing in big matches week in, week out. There have been frustrations at times, but we’ve got to be pleased with how things have gone.
“The season has been a bit of a slog at times and you have to put your feet up when you get the chance.
“So we’ll enjoy some rest over the summer, but will keep ourselves ticking over, so we can come back firing.
“I’ve never played in League One and don’t know what to expect, but we’ll keep working hard to win as many games as we can.”
Clarke is fortunate to be available against Cheltenham after somehow escaping a red card for his foul on Danny Rose at Mansfield last week.
He said: “I was a little bit surprised if I’m honest. I couldn’t believe it and almost asked the referee if he was sure!
“The end it happened meant it was only a short walk to the tunnel, but I got bit of luck and you have to take that when you can get it.”