Pompey goal hero salutes '˜massive, massive' Pompey win

The Blues inflicted a 4-0 hammering on the Stags, with the visitors finishing Saturday’s Fratton Park encounter with nine men.

Baker netted twice as Paul Cook’s side scored three goals in the final six minutes to make their superiority count.

Following successive league defeats on home turf, the win lifted Pompey into fourth place, four points off second spot.

And for Baker, the triumph was crucial as they seek to maintain promotion interest.

He said: ‘That result was massive. Massive.

‘The biggest emotion in the dressing room afterwards was just relief.

‘The last few league home games we have not been good enough and knew we had to put a performance in against Mansfield and take the three points.

‘Before the game we heard Carlisle had lost to Newport County, then it was down to us to go and get the win.

‘Afterwards was a great feeling and now we prepare for the next big game.

‘That’s two wins in a row at the moment, so let’s see where that takes us.

‘From our point of view, we never felt we were going to lose the game and I know at times it might not look like that, but it did feel pretty comfortable.

‘We just need to keep working hard, keep believing in ourselves and hopefully the fans will stick with us.’

Pompey opened the scoring on 11 minutes, Gary Roberts netting from the penalty spot after Kyle Bennett had been fouled.

In the second half, Kyle Howkins and substitute Alex Iacovitti were sent off, prompting the Blues’ late onslaught.

Substitute Noel Hunt registered his first goal for the club, before Baker completed the victory with a double.

It took the summer recruit to six goals as he continues to impress in front of goal.

And while supporters were frustrated over the length of time it took to break down the Stags’ nine men, Baker insists patience was decisive.

He added: ‘Honestly, sometimes it can make it difficult when the opposition have players sent off.

‘Fans probably think I am crazy by saying that but Mansfield still had a solid back four and obviously we had to break them down.

‘Sometimes it can be frustrating, but you just need to keep moving the ball fast and keep tiring them out. When the gaps open up than you must take advantage of them.

‘I can understand the fans’ frustration, even as players we want to go forward and score as many goals as we can and as soon as possible.

‘But if we had conceded down the other end after going too gung-ho and tried to go forward too soon I am sure the fans would have booed a lot louder.

‘It is about managing the game and realising the situation.’