Pompey: Marc McNulty's his harshest critic

McNulty ensured the Blues set up an FA Cup fourth round date with Premier League Bournemouth after the 2-1 win over the Tractor Boys.

Paul Cook’s side picked up a deserved third-round replay success at Fratton Park in front of a crowd of 15,179.

That saw Pompey extend their run to one defeat in 13 and end a six-game unbeatenstreak from Mick McCarthy’s side.

McNulty got the crucial goal eight minutes before the break after Gary Roberts’ penalty had given Pompey the lead.

That was the loanee’s seventh goal since arriving from Sheffield United in November.

But McNulty was his own hardest taskmaster as he reflected on missed opportunities in both halves.

He lost out in duels with keeper Bartosz Bialkowski which would have put the game beyond doubt.

McNulty said: ‘I was pleased with the goal but I should have more, if I’m honest.

‘That’s what I will look at now – the chances that I missed. I’ll look over it and see what I should have done.

‘I’ve already had a quick look at them and I will do again.

‘The second one I should have reversed. I opened my body up and I should have reversed it instead of putting it near post.

‘The first one I should have gone near post instead of going the opposite way. It’s easy saying that afterwards, though.

‘People who know me will tell you I’m a harsh critic of myself. Maybe a bit too harsh.

‘But I like to keep high standards and, as a striker, that means scoring. That’s your bread and butter.

‘That’s what I am on the pitch to do.

‘In a game you can’t let that last in your head.

‘But that’s my seventh goal and I’ve been brought in here to score goals and help the team. Hopefully, that’s what people think I’ve done.

‘I’ve done okay so far but there’s a long way to go in the season still. I think there’s a lot yet I can still bring.’

McNulty’s goal saw him picked out with a pinpoint cross from man-of-the-match Gareth Evans, which allowed him to nod home.

McNulty reserved praise for Evans, who continued the form which saw him named League Two’s player of the month in December.

McNulty said: ‘I’ve got to give Gaz (Evans) the credit. He’d kill me if I didn’t!

‘It was a great ball. He’s got that in his locker.

‘He’s a good player who works hard and he’s put it in. That’s Gaz’s game.

‘You know what you are getting with Gaz. He’s all over the pitch.

‘He’ll get back and help the team which the lads appreciate.

‘But the ball was different class and he showed what a good player he is.’