Pompey star insists Trophy win can boost league fortunes

The Blues’ first-ever tie in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy delivered spot-kick drama at Fratton Park last night.

But Michael Appleton’s men came out on top – winning 4-3 after their first-round clash with the Cherries had finished 2-2 after 90 minutes.

Captain – and man-of-the-match – Brian Howard, Liam Walker, Ashley Harris and Luke Rodgers all netted from 12 yards.

Mikkel Andersen’s fine save from Lee Barnard – on loan at the Cherries from Southampton – proved crucial before Marc Pugh blazed his effort over the bar.

That handed Pompey their first win of the campaign at the fifth time of asking.

And Dumbuya believes it can deliver his team’s season crucial impetus.

‘Psychologically, it’s a big win,’ he said.

‘We have put in some good performances these past four games.

‘It was an entertaining game but I don’t think we started too well.

‘We didn’t start as well as we normally do but stuck in there and ground it out in the end.

‘I felt the win was coming, though, and we thought that as a team as well.

‘So to get that win on the board is a big thing.

‘It gives a boost and something to build and push on from.

‘The boys really stuck in there and pulled it off at the end.’

Dumbuya gave an insight into the Blues dressing room as the club waits to see what its future will hold.

The 25-year-old insisted there are no players looking to jump ship as the month-long deals signed on the eve of the season edge to a close.

Anyone looking to do that would have to wait until the January transfer window to sign for anyone else.

The former Doncaster man stated no dissenting noises are being made from the playing staff, however.

And Dumbuya insisted the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy is a competition he and his team-mates will take seriously after progressing last night.

They are now through to the south west section second round, with the draw for that made this weekend.

And the Sierra Leone star promised the players would push to progress with a trip to Wembley up for grabs.

‘Everyone I’ve spoken to is happy here,’ he said.

‘Hopefully things can get sorted and we can look to a long-term future.

‘If we can win silverware – we want to win it.

‘We’re not in these competitions for no reason. We really want to go for it.

‘So if we can win the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy, we can win it.

‘If we can win this it’s there for Portsmouth.

‘Some teams may say it is not important but if they won it they’d be over the moon.

‘I know I want to play at Wembley if I am given the chance.

‘So we’ll go for it.’