Perfect platform for Pompey and Naismith to show their spirit

BOUNCEBACKABILITY

For all the frustration of watching Pompey too often following up much-hoped season-defining wins with sorry defeats, they certainly know how to reverse the trend.

Saturday’s 1-0 victory at Grimsby was the seventh time this season the Blues have bounced back from defeat in their previous match to take all three points.

Of course, Paul Cook will be eager for loses to be less frequent to ensure this knack does not continue.

But the Blundell Park triumph was arguably Pompey’s best response yet, on the back of that miserable 2-1 home loss to Stevenage and, more notably, the punch-up between Christian Burgess and Michael Doyle.

It was the perfect pick-me-up to what Cook had called a ‘horrendous’ fortnight for everyone at the club – and proves this Pompey side has character.

The key target now is for the Blues to keep standing tall in their push for promotion, rather than continually having to pick themselves up off the floor.

KAL CAN BE KEY

Pompey know how to overcome adversity – as does their match-winner at Grimsby.

In the words of his manager, Kal Naismith has been ‘kicked from pillar to post’ in his bid to become a first-team regular.

It’s fair to say the Scotsman has struggled for consistency during his Blues career. But having convinced Cook to take him off the transfer list, Naismith showed a glimpse of his undoubted ability with that beauty of a free-kick at Grimsby.

It was a timely reminder of what the 24-year-old can offer.

The challenge now is to keep on producing the goods.