Cook: Pompey's biggest moment since winning battle to live

Paul Cook lauded the game-changing victory at Carlisle as the biggest moment since Pompey exited administration.
Amine Linganzi is congratulated by his Pompey team-mates after making it 2-0. Picture: Joe PeplerAmine Linganzi is congratulated by his Pompey team-mates after making it 2-0. Picture: Joe Pepler
Amine Linganzi is congratulated by his Pompey team-mates after making it 2-0. Picture: Joe Pepler

And the Blues boss highlighted the importance of his side having their promotion fate back in their own hands after a huge win at Brunton Park.

The Blues turned up the heat on their rivals with a massive 3-0 success against the Cumbrians.

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Cook was rewarded for a brave attacking switch to a 3-5-2 formation with three goals in the final 17 minutes of the game.

That saw buoyant players and fans celebrating together on the final whistle after the long trek north.

The win cuts the gap on the top three to three points – with Pompey having a game in hand on third-placed Carlisle and superior goal difference.

Cook feels the moment rates as the biggest since Pompey won their fight for survival in 2013.

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And being masters of their own destiny once again is a key factor in the importance of the win.

Cook said: ‘I think this could be the best feelgood factor this club’s had since coming out of administration. It has to because we’ve delivered on a big-game stage.

‘I know the players. I feel they are alright in these games. We’ve given ourselves a realistic chance.

‘Everyone has been questioning us all year but the games get counted down now.

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‘It’s crucial we know we go up if we win these games. I like that as a manager. It’s in our own hands now.

‘We live with pressure every day at this club. Others don’t live with that pressure but we do – and we turned up.

‘That’s what we need to continue now.’

Despite the euphoria at a crucial win, Cook stressed the importance of capitalising on it with 14 matches left.

Pompey now face two games on the bounce at Fratton Park, with Morecambe’s visit tomorrow followed by Crewe’s arrival on Saturday.

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Cook is looking for his team to cash in on both the momentum created and feelgood factor surrounding the club,

He said: ‘My time at Portsmouth will be dictated by what I do. It won’t be one be by one game, one result or one incident – but if we’re good or bad. I’ve got great belief and great faith this club is going forward.

‘Tomorrow night’s the one now. We’ll have a big crowd in.

‘There will belief around the place and we must turn up. These fans will carry anyone home.

‘I will try my best to take this club forward in difficult waters at times but now we need to head into calm waters.

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‘So let’s enjoy it but now the most important game is Morecambe.

‘I’ve been around football long enough to know Jim Bentley and his team will be licking their lips at the thought of the game.

‘We have to take the games and keep knocking the wins out, if we can.’