Much was made of a season defining four game period for Portsmouth ahead of the encounter under the lights versus Cardiff City. Fast forward 12 days and a 9 points return has seen the Blues elevated to 17th position in the Championship table.
As is always the case, it has not been plain sailing. It was a nervy night when The Bluebirds visited, some tricky moments followed during the away triumph at The Kassam and just yesterday it was tense finish as Portsmouth got over the line against the R’s.
John Mousinho’s team have shown they have the fight for the survival battle, with the team spirit and will to win evident during these past 3 victories.
The closing stages epitomised what this makes Portsmouth Football Club so special. A group of players putting their bodies on the line in a heroic effort to win and Fratton Park crowd that will give them everything in return from the terraces to support the cause.
This is an extremely hard-working Pompey side. There have of course been some very difficult days for this group especially on their travels, but it now appears that there is resilience and mental strength within the group. Pompey at times have shown a naivety and lack of steel when adversity has come their way, but none of that has been on display in these last three outings.
With Hayden Matthews barely able to raise a jog, Marlon Pack showed real leadership qualities, taking control of the situation and the young Australian sent upfield. Once more, its seems Mousinho will have to juggle more injuries and unavailability, a bit of a running theme during his time in charge.
The head coach altered his style of play following a pretty rough start to life in the second tier. His team are now more direct, combative in duels, looking to play quickly in transition to feed real quality players in the attacking third, like Josh Murphy. The first goal in Saturdays victory being from that blueprint.
Pompey now find themselves in a wonderful position but there is still plenty of work to do. There is no doubt this squad and supporters will continue to fight until the job is done.
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