Keeper in high spirits after another win for Blues
It is a magnificent run that helped Pompey storm to automatic promotion with time to spare.
And David Forde has enjoyed his ride on the unstoppable train that has taken the Blues back to League One after four seasons in the basement.
Nine wins from the past 11 games show that Paul Cook’s men have managed to hit form at exactly the right time.
And Saturday’s 1-0 victory at Mansfield – courtesy of Carl Baker’s second half strike – means that Pompey could even claim the title with victory over Cheltenham at the weekend.
That would certainly be the icing on the cake for Forde, who has loved his time on the south coast.
The goalkeeper said: “Momentum is everything in football and we’ve had in recent weeks – that’s helped to wake a sleeping giant.
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time here and it’s reinvigorated my career. The support I’ve received from the fans and players has been great.
“It was a very difficult game against Mansfield, who had been playing well and were looking for a place in the play-offs.
“But it’s another win, another clean sheet and it’s given us a great opportunity to bring the title down to the final game of the season.
“Jack Whatmough, Christian Burgess and Matt Clarke were fantastic at the end – we’ve got some amazing talent in those defensive positions.
“They’ve continued to develop all through the season and it’s a pleasure for me to be playing behind them.
“The fans have been terrific and the manager’s been fantastic, and it’s good that the players have been able to turn up and show some true grit.”
Forde’s season-long loan from Millwall ends after the Cheltenham game and after that he will make a decision on his future.
He said: “The main aim was to win promotion and get the season out of the way – then we can sit down and have a proper conversation.”