Pompey boss wants belief at unhappy hunting ground

Paul Cook has urged Pompey to maintain their winning belief as they strive to build on their Good Friday excellence.
Paul Cook. Picture: Joe PeplerPaul Cook. Picture: Joe Pepler
Paul Cook. Picture: Joe Pepler

The Blues travel to AFC Wimbledon today (12.45pm), a venue which has proven to be an unhappy hunting ground.

Pompey have lost both previous encounters at Kingsmeadow, each disappointing result accompanied by a dismal display.

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Yet they face Neal Ardley’s side buoyed from Friday’s impressive 4-0 destruction of Notts County.

In contrast, the Dons lost 1-0 at Hartlepool as they continue a barren run of one win in their last seven matches.

And Cook is seeking more of the same positive mindset from his side for today’s encounter.

He said: ‘We have an opportunity to do damage to Wimbledon but you never know in this league, they are all tough games, there are no easy games, you just have to keep believing in what you do, be professional and prepare properly.

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‘It is about conviction and a belief. Last week we made the players stand up to what they were about to face, but against Newport we didn’t do that. Wimbledon will be tough but if we can go there and win again it will give everyone a big lift in terms of belief.

‘They can play both ways, have some terrific footballers and also some physically strong boys so can mix it up.

‘It’s a tight little ground which can be quite intimidating but we are Portsmouth Football Club and we have to go there and believe in ourselves.

‘We can be the biggest show in town sometimes and we can lift other teams.

‘Today we must make sure we lift ourselves so will concentrate on what we can do and how we play rather than anyone else.’