Christian Burgess prepared to lift Pompey

CHRISTIAN BURGESS promised Pompey have the character to bounce back from their last-ditch goal frustration.
Christian Burgess Picture: Joe PeplerChristian Burgess Picture: Joe Pepler
Christian Burgess Picture: Joe Pepler

And the defender vowed he is one of the players who can lift the Blues as they go to Stevenage Borough.

Paul Cook’s side were hit by a 90th-minute leveller which cost them victory at Exeter City on Tuesday night.

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It was the fourth time in the past seven games that’s happened to the side.

Burgess is adamant there’s not a mental issue among the players, as Pompey are hit late by goals.

The Exeter strike was the second occasion it’s cost points for the side recently, after Morecambe keeper Barry Roche levelled late at the Globe Arena last month.

There were also costly late goals against Carlisle and Stevenage earlier this season.

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Burgess feels the task is for Pompey to now rous themselves for the trip to Broadhall Way – and the 24-year-old feels the responsibility to do that.

‘There’s plenty of big characters to pick us up,’ said the central defender.

‘We have to get in the training ground, cool down and get ready to go again.

‘I feel that responsibility.

‘But I feel there are plenty of big characters here to pick us up.’

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The frustration of losing a late goal against the Grecians was slightly tempered by the news both Accrington Stanley and Plymouth lost during the week.

But Burgess didn’t see it quite that way after the game, with the late draw feeling like a missed opportunity.

He said: ‘It’s nice that teams have dropped points but maybe even more gut-wrenching we didn’t win.’

The defender feels there is no point lingering on Tuesday’s disappointment, however.

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With 13 games to go, Pompey find themselves sat fifth in the League Two table.

The gap to Plymouth in third place is 11 points going into the game.

Below Pompey, the table makes for extremely congested viewing.

There are just three points covering eight teams from Pompey down to Cambridge in 12th place in the table.

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Burgess feels there is a lot to be played for over the campaign’s finale.

He added: ‘We’ll be focusing on Stevenage and going again. There’s plenty to play for, plenty of games this month and plenty of points up for grabs.

‘There are plenty of opportunities to turn it around and get the wins we need.’

– JORDAN CROSS