Appleton lauds Blues' resilience

The 2-1 win over Crystal Palace tonight saw the Blues’ outside chances of survival remain alive for another game.

There was an air of fortune for both Pompey’s goals, with Scott Allan and Greg Halford seeing their efforts take heavy deflections.

That mattered little to Appleton, though.

He knows it is still a long shot for his men to stay up.

But he is confident they can pick up six points from their final two games.

Appleton said: ‘The goals were deflected but who cares? I’m not bothered.

‘We picked up another win. That’s what matters.

‘The lads stood strong and hung in there.

‘I wouldn’t say the Great Escape is alive but we believe we can win the last two games.

‘It was a 500/1 shot before. It’s still about 250/1!’