Kyle Bennett '˜magic' lauded in Pompey victory

The winger inspired Pompey to a 4-1 triumph at Dagenham & Redbridge on Saturday, having trailed for the first 58 minutes.

Paul Cook’s side fell behind to Ashley Hemmings’ overhead kick during a poor first-half display.

Yet they picked it up after the break and, once Doyle levelled, Bennett seized control in devastating style.

The former Doncaster man provided free-kicks for Christian Burgess and then Gareth Evans to head home.

He then sealed the victory two minutes from time, representing a seventh goal of the campaign.

And his Blues skipper believes the 25-year-old is finally displaying consistency in his performances.

Doyle said: ‘The two balls from Bennett from the free-kick were outstanding and then he went and finished the game off.

‘He was outstanding when we really needed him and in the last few weeks has had that consistency we have been looking for.

‘We know he can produce, we just want to see it week in, week out.

‘He deserves all the credit for that display, he has had some tough times this year and seems to have got some consistency in his game.

‘For me, that is all he has ever really lacked, the consistency of week in, week out, you only need five minutes of his bit of magic on Saturday and he wins you the game.

‘The two free-kicks and fourth goal – it was brilliant.’

Bennett has struggled to win over some of the Fratton faithful since his summer move from Doncaster Rovers.

Yet his Victoria Road strike represented a seventh of the campaign, while he now totals 13 assists in all competitions.

No Pompey player has created as many goals this season than the winger, who has netted four times in his last seven appearances.

Certainly Bennett has become more dangerous as the Blues gather momentum in their attempts to make automatic promotion.

And Doyle, who scored his second Pompey goal on Saturday, was full of praise for his team-mate’s showing.

He added: ‘Kyle was having a frustrating game and not getting an awful lot of the ball.

‘Then two great balls for Christian and Gazza’s goals, he has put them right on their heads, they didn’t have a lot to do.

Then he came up with the fourth goal which started from the back, Enda made a great run and Kyle has finished it.

‘He was superb.’

– NEIL ALLEN