Pompey boss demands cutting edge

Guy Whittingham demanded Pompey find a greater cutting edge as they continue their hunt for a first win of the season.
Pompey winger Andy Barcham Picture: Ste JonesPompey winger Andy Barcham Picture: Ste Jones
Pompey winger Andy Barcham Picture: Ste Jones

David Connolly scored both goals in Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Accrington Stanley, impressing up front with Patrick Agyemang.

But a host of opportunities were wasted elsewhere, as Pompey dominated for large periods at the Crown Ground.

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While Connolly cited defensive errors as the reason the Blues were not celebrating a maiden win, Whittingham was adamant the visitors created enough chances to claim success.

And he has made it clear they must start taking them if the Blues’ season is to catch fire.

He said: ‘We have to be more clinical. If you look at the chances we created that has to be the disappointment.

‘We have to do better with the opportunities we have.

‘Patrick could have had a hat-trick and Andy Barcham had three good chances.

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‘We had chances from a lot of different players but that is a good thing.

‘Andy’s run in the first-half was superb. It just shows you the talent we have picked up.

‘The important thing is to work the keeper and he did.

‘But making more of our chances is something we have to do.’

The performance of Pompey’s front two was one of the big plus points to take from Saturday’s game.

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But Whittingham warned them that’s the standard they have to maintain if they are to keep a starting place.

He said: ‘I was glad when I saw David pick the ball up for the penalty. I thought it was a goal straight away.

‘It’s nice for him to get the first goal with the good build-up to it.

‘They were automatic choices last season but now they have to keep playing well to keep their place.’