Kenny Jackett admits scoreline harsh on Northampton, but clinical Portsmouth showed class

Yet he pinpointed clinical finishing from the ever-dangerous Blues as decisive in tonight’s 4-0 thumping of Keith Curle’s men.

John Marquis grabbed two, taking his tally to five in three matches, while Ronan Curtis and Marcus Harness also got on the scoresheet at Fratton Park.

An 11-minute spell either side of half-time proved crucial, with three of those goals arriving in that period.

The outcome was a third straight League One victory from a side transformed from the one so uninspiring early in the season.

And while Jackett admitted the scoreline was harsh on the Cobblers, he recognised Pompey’s ruthless brilliance.

He told The News: ‘I don’t think 4-0 necessarily reflects the scoreline, although we do feel we have players up front who can score goals and that put us in control.

‘We had to work hard as ever, all of the games you have to, and we’ve played some sides here down the bottom.

‘Wigan played very well here and beat us and we had to work really hard against MK Dons. Whether it’s a top side or one down at the bottom, there are no easy points in this division.

‘Our finishing (against Northampton) was clinical and at the right time, which was at the start of the second half and gave us the advantage.

‘The first was a good strike from Ryan Williams and John has followed up very well. Then we started the second half really fast and put two goals away which put us in control.

‘The second put us into a good position. Ronan was unlucky in terms of the keeper made a great save from the header, but again we followed up.

‘Marcus’ header for the fourth at the end was very pleasing as well because it keeps his total going.’

Pompey remain fifth in League One following their latest win.

Next they entertain sixth-placed Charlton on Saturday, followed by a trip to Michael Appleton’s league leaders Lincoln.

Jackett added: ‘The first half was a little bit you keep it and we keep it, I don’t think we got up and challenged them enough.

‘But, similarly, they played one forward in Harry Smith and four midfield players in the box just off him and, early in the game, it gave them some possession.

‘However, when you do play that way it doesn’t necessarily give you chances.

‘For us, when the chances came, we had the right players in the right areas.’