Carson: I miss playing at Fratton Park

The former Blues goalkeeper was in inspired form for the Pools as they battled to a hard-fought goalless draw, in a game dominated by the home side.

Three notable saves from Michael Smith, Michael Doyle and substitute Conor Chaplin ensured Carson emerged with a clean sheet and deserved man-of-the-match honours.

But it was the point he helped his team collect that mattered most to the Northern Irishman on a day to savour at his former club.

Carson said: ‘I just love playing here.

‘It is unbelievable to be playing at this ground in League Two.

‘Every player will tell you that every clean sheet is fantastic but in terms of coming to a team that are far superior to most teams in this league and getting a point, it is a great feeling.

‘The lads are buzzing.’

Carson made 39 appearances for Pompey in the 2013-14 season after being signed by Guy Whittingham on an initial three-month loan deal from Bury.

That arrangement was extended until the end of the campaign as the 6ft stopper helped the Blues avoid relegation under Andy Awford, following the departures of Whittingham and Richie Barker from the Fratton Park hot seat.

Awford, though, opted to look elsewhere in the summer as Carson instead joined Cheltenham Town following his Shakers release.

But back in familiar surroundings on Saturday, the 28-year-old proved a difference maker for his current side.

And for Carson, the 17,081-strong crowd held no fear, only happy memories.

He said: ‘There is no pressure to play in front of the crowd – I love that.

‘I played here for a season and you miss playing in front of a massive crowd.

‘It makes you feel like a proper footballer.

‘Batesy (Matthew Bates) has played in the Premier League and I’m sure he misses it a lot more than me.

‘It is fantastic.’

On a day that saw counterpart David Forde fail to be tested even once in the Pompey goal, Carson was also quick to play down his role in the Pools’ battling draw.

‘I don’t think I was overly busy,’ he added.

‘I’m sure there have been busier goalkeepers at Fratton Park this season.

‘The saves I had to make, I made them.

‘It is a great feeling to help play my part in a great point.

‘But to be fair to the lads everyone of us stood up to it and made saves, blocks or headers, whatever it was.

‘The lads were outstanding.’

– JEFF MARSHMAN