Michael Doyle blasts ‘lacklustre’ Pompey

Paul Cook’s side were back in action at Fratton Park on Saturday following a previous league victory at much-fancied Luton Town.

Yet the Blues failed to build on that impressive result, being held to a goalless draw against Stanley.

In a frustrating performance, the hosts barely created a goal-scoring opportunity and produced a flat display.

Regardless of the disappointing showing, they sit fifth in League Two and undefeated after six matches.

But straight-talking skipper Doyle was angry with the outcome against John Coleman’s side.

He said: ‘I have to say, that definitely was a fair result. We didn’t deserve to win it.

‘We were a long way off from where we want to be, if you look at the first game of the season at home against Dagenham and how we played.

‘There was no spark like that on Saturday and it is disappointing.

‘It’s totally down to us as players. We were probably a little bit cautious after the Morecambe game considering the way it went with us being three down.

‘At half-time I thought we were in the perfect position to attack the Fratton end in the second half and take the game to them, but we didn’t play anywhere near as well we could.

‘We didn’t create chances and in the end were probably a bit cautious thinking Accrington could nick the game from us and it would be even more disappointing, so I think the draw was a fair result.

‘To be fair, we didn’t expect them to sit back, we knew they would press us but just didn’t move the ball anywhere near quickly enough and didn’t get in good positions to receive the ball.

‘I just think overall we were lacklustre, it’s disappointing the last two home games on the trot we have drawn – and you expect to win your home games.

‘At Luton we had some great spells, but I don’t think we did that enough in this game.

‘It’s disappointing, a lot of sloppy passes were going out of play, things were breaking down, there was a lack of movement and we just didn’t seem to be on the same page.’

A second goalless draw of the league season has left the Blues one of only three undefeated sides in League Two.

They are presently only three points off leaders Leyton Orient, who suffered a shock 4-0 defeat at Exeter on Saturday.

Pompey’s next fixture is the visit of Martin Allen’s Barnet, who are presently 21st in the table having lost four times.

And Doyle is well aware an improvement is required if Cook’s men are to continue climbing the table.

He added: ‘The whole ground was disappointed against Accrington, the performances have been high energy, creating a lot of chances and playing attractive football – but not on Saturday.

‘It is something we need to look at, not just these lads playing in their positions but some of us who need to be getting the ball to them quicker.

‘When teams get behind the ball they are harder to break down.’