Cook hails Pompey spirit after victory

The Blues’ Blundell Park dominance was finally rewarded on 86 minutes thanks to substitute Kal Naismith’s delightful 25-yard free-kick.

On top of a welcome three points which keeps Pompey fourth in League Two, the success was the perfect response to the misery of a fortnight ago when Cook’s men lost 2-1 at home to Stevenage.

That match saw captain Michael Doyle and Christian Burgress hauled off at half-time for a dressing-room scrap.

Cook admitted it had been a long wait for him and his men to put that behind them.

But he was delighted with the way Pompey were able to respond.

Cook said: ‘We all know two weeks ago was a very disappointing day for us and our fans.

‘It’s been a frustrating wait to put that to bed but the lads did that today and I’m proud of the response.

‘I thought we dominated the game and deserved the win.

‘I’m made up for the players and for the fans. We can all be happy tonight.’