Pompey Reflections On Loss

Portsmouth manager Guy Whittingham has admitted that his side only turned up for one half this afternoon, implying that they lacked enough commitment to gain anything from the game with the U's.

The U's raced into a 3-1 lead at Fratton Park this afternoon inside the opening twenty minutes, despite having their second minute opener initially pegged back by the hosts.

It was a shocking defensive display from Pompey coupled with some scintillating attacking form from the U's, but the Pompey manager said the fans will appreciate his side if the players just show commitment.

'I don't think on Tuesday night [against Notts County] we only played for one half,' he told the Portsmouth News. 'We were committed throughout the whole game, but today it's obvious.

'The fans just want to see the team run around, show commitment and go for things - if the players do that then they have no worries with the people here.

'Just make sure you're dedicated to doing the best you can, that's the big thing.

'I'm not talking about two-footed tackles, but be strong. If you're going on a forward run then really go for it, pass the ball firmly, just go through with crosses. You have nothing to lose, just go for it.'

The U's were backed by an away following just shy of five-hundred on the south coast this afternoon, but the home support was equally as good with the overall eleven-thousand-plus crowd continuing to support their side irrespective of the club's current plight.

Whittingham acknowledges that if there is one place to be for a run of sixteen games without a win, then Fratton Park is a good place to start.

'I can't think of many other teams who are supported like we are,' he continued. 'I've been at lots of other clubs and in front of many fans, but nothing like the ones down here.

'The situation seems to bring us closer together and we really can't thank them enough.'


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