Cook: Pompey passed test with flying colours

Gareth Evans’ 27th-minute finish from Enda Stevens’ cross earned the hosts a fully-deserved interval lead over Blackpool following an impressive first half.

The Blues continued to dominate after the break, backed superbly by their supporters during an atmospheric Fratton night under the floodlights.

The 2-0 result was sealed by Eoin Doyle’s first goal for the club, sliding home substitute Carl Baker’s pass deep into stoppage-time.

Pompey are now fifth in the League Two table – four points off the automatic spots with a game in hand.

And Cook was buoyant at the display he had witnessed.

He said: ‘Tonight was one of those performances you really enjoy as a manager.

‘It wasn’t just the way we passed, the way we scored, or how we created chances - it was the defending, our willingness to defend and the desire.

‘You could see the players getting energy from the fans and that is what it is supposed to be like.

‘Unfortunately, it can’t be like that all the time and we all get a little bit frustrated and disappointed.

‘We have to deal with pressure every week.

‘Tonight was a big pressure game and we came through that with flying colours.’