Pompey 0 Mansfield 0: Danny Hollands makes the case for patience

The Blues midfielder was back in the starting line-up for the first time in almost a month as boss Paul Cook opted to bring him into the fold, replacing Adam Barton alongside Michael Doyle.

The 29-year-old turned in an encouraging display but was left feeling frustrated at another home draw as Mansfield were the latest team to leave Fratton Park with a point.

But while Hollands understands the murmurs of discontent from some home supporters, he believes the style of play under Cook demands some extra persistence when Pompey are struggling to break down stubborn opponents.

He said: ‘The style of play is about being patient and it’s good to play in.

‘You get a lot of the ball and you get to pass it.

‘If we hurl balls in from long distances, that can get just as frustrating for fans.

‘If we are shooting from a long way out, they can get bodies in the way.

‘Sometimes, it’s a lot easier when you are watching from the stands. I’ve been there myself.

‘You can’t fault our fans and I totally understand that it can get just as frustrating for them as well as us on the pitch.

‘Over the past four or five years, there have been different managers and different styles of football.

‘The way that we are playing now, it’s a bit more patient.

‘The manager wants us to keep the ball and dictate games. I think we are doing that.

‘But that can be frustrating for the fans who might want us to get it into the box quicker.

‘We are second in the league playing the way we are.

‘Hopefully, they understand that and will keep getting behind us as they always do.

‘We are working hard every day and we will only get better.’

While Mansfield had their moments in the first half, they looked less threatening after the break.

And the former Bournemouth man felt they got the point they came for.

He said: ‘They were fourth in the league and they are no mugs.

‘They came for a point and our goalkeeper has not had a save to make.

‘It shows that we have been the better team.

‘There were a few chances but we would have liked to have created a few more clear-cut chances.

‘On another day, we could have had a couple of goals.

‘All you want is for a team to come out and have a right go.

‘But it doesn’t seem to happen much this season. After 70 minutes, they were taking their strikers off.

‘As you get further into the season, we might see teams being a bit more positive.

‘But it’s up to other teams how they want to play. We have to find a way to win games ourselves.

‘We are controlling games, which is the main thing.

‘Yes, it’s all about scoring goals but we are as frustrated as everyone else that we are not scoring as many goals at home as we would like.

‘We have to keep our heads and keep plodding away.’