Dickinson: Signs are positive

The Blues’ five-game stretch without a loss in the league ended at the Lamex Stadium last night, after they went down 2-1 to high-flying Stevenage.

Michael Appleton’s men had to look to poor defending as the key reason for that, as they gave away two sloppy goals.

Dickinson had a decent second debut in a Blues shirt, however, after completing a loan move from Watford.

The left-back jumped at the chance to rejoin the club he played for under Steve Cotterill in the 2010-11 campaign.

But the faults arrived elsewhere at the back to send Pompey spinning to defeat.

Dickinson felt his side could take heart, though, from the host of chances carved out against the promotion chasers.

And he has seen enough from the squad of players following his Pompey comeback to suggest there is cause for optimism moving forward.

Dickinson said: ‘It was two sloppy goals that cost us.

‘We didn’t start the game too well, didn’t get tight enough to them and let them dictate the play.

‘The second half was better and I think they had maybe one or two chances, while we had our chances to go in front.

‘Mikkel (Andersen) had maybe one proper save to make all game.

‘So there are a lot of positives to take from the game and take into the game at Sheffield United on Monday.

‘The gaffer has told us to trust in each other. There are a good set of players here.

‘We know what we are capable of and you’ve seen that in this game.

‘We had to get tight, do the dirty stuff and play our football.

‘We started the second well but we’ve given away a sloppy goal and from there we were chasing the game.

‘We are creating chances, though, so that’s a plus.

‘Hopefully by Monday we can turn them into goals.’

Felipe Morais proved Pompey’s chief tormentor as the Portuguese talent bagged both Stevenage goals.

He caused problems operating in a withdrawn role behind Marcus Haber and proved difficult to hold down.

Dickinson acknowledged that but felt Pompey offered plenty of threat themselves.

He thought Wes Thomas looked dangerous and full of confidence up top alongside Izale McLeod.

Dickinson said: ‘The gaffer told us to pick up on him (Morais).

‘He told us to get tighter to him because we were getting too deep.

‘Second-half we nullified that largely and played football.

‘Wes played well and probably could have had a hat-trick.

‘We can take positives from that going forward.’