Forde: Pompey showed steely side in Luton win

The Blues keeper was impressed with the resolve shown by his team-mates to come from a goal down to pick up a 3-1 win at Kenilworth Road.

Danny Hylton put the Hatters in front after seven minutes and had a second disallowed allowed minutes later when the linesman’s flag cut short the home celebrations, with the striker ruled offside.

But Paul Cook’s side refused to wilt and turned the game on its head by half-time with goals from Michael Smith and Gareth Evans.

Substitute Kal Naismith then sealed an impressive away victory six minutes from time.

That resilience was a big plus for Forde.

He said: ‘They (Luton) came and went toe-to-toe with us.

‘But I felt we were the better side, dominant and controlled the game.

‘We were very convincing. Very convincing.

‘We won 3-1, and it could have been a whole lot more as well.

‘To concede so early would have really shook the foundations in previous months.

‘So we showed some great solidarity, team-work and effort to grind it out, equalise and then go on to win the game.

‘That’s a sign of a strong side that we didn’t panic and we all stuck to the task at hand.

‘It was two strong sides in this division going at it and it was a great spectacle.

‘It’s very pleasing that we are starting to build that consistency.’

After an even and entertaining first 45 minutes, it was Pompey who put the game in a stranglehold after the break.

As well as creating chances, they dictated the pace of the game and stood firm against what Luton had to offer.

Forde enjoyed seeing his side show those traits.

He said: ‘It was a blow for them to concede just before half-time.

‘It takes a lot to recover from that and we showed how we can control games in the second half.

‘We showed the calibre of player we have in this team to close it out, keep the ball and show our quality.

‘We spoke about sticking to tasks and not fearing the outcome.

‘It’s important to stick to what you’re doing.

‘And when you maintain that focus it gives you the ability to produce results like this.’

– JORDAN CROSS