Cook: Pompey Notts taking County lighty

Pompey will not be taking Notts County lightly on Saturday.
Pompey boss Paul Cook   Picture: Joe PeplerPompey boss Paul Cook   Picture: Joe Pepler
Pompey boss Paul Cook Picture: Joe Pepler

That’s the message from Blues boss Paul Cook as a stuttering Magpies side visit Fratton Park with two defeats and a draw from their past three league outings.

Leading County marksman Jon Stead – who tops the League two charts with nine goals to his name this season - is also ruled out with an ankle injury as the hosts look to punish John Sheridan’s men.

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Fifth-placed Pompey have impressed on successive away trips to Leyton Orient (1-0) and Plymouth respectively (2-2) and are firm favourites with the bookmakers to secure all three points.

Cook, though, is expecting a tough game against the Blues’ mid-table opponents.

‘Every team offers challenges,’ he added.

‘You only have to look at the lads at the top end of their pitch – Adam Campbell, Jon Stead and Jonathan Forte to know they have got very good players.

‘John Sheridan is probably one of the better managers in the country at League One or League Two level.

‘They have got a very experienced manager.

‘They have got a strong club and good players so it will be a tough game.

‘But it is one we are really looking forward to.’