Knight: Well-deserved Pompey win at Fleetwood
With the injuries and everything that was around it, we had a very young side with an average age of 22.5.
Nevertheless, I thought the boys did very well.
It had banana skin written all over it but the lads grew in stature.
Matt Clarke grew as a captain and all round they stood up.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdWhen we got the ball down on the floor and got our passing game going then we had that extra bit of class.
The unfortunate thing was Conor McAleny scored a brilliant goal with 10 minutes to go.
Obviously, with the way things have gone lately, there were a few nerves – that’s just human nature.
However, I know they had a lot of possession and the ball kept on coming back towards our goal but we won the second balls.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdFleetwood never really had a clear-cut chance to score an equaliser.
We handled that quite well. I know when you’re watching it live it sometimes doesn’t seem like it.
But analysing it afterwards the boys did really well to hold on after being in total command.
It was a great goal and I know Luke McGee will be absolutely gutted because he’s desperate to get that clean sheet and so is the manager.
But we controlled the game and deserved the win.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdSome people might say Kenny Jackett had no choice picking the young lads but I don’t think he had a qualm playing them.
Whether you say they’re youngsters or not they’ve all played quite a few games and it all bodes well.
All round everyone should be pleased.
Jamal Lowe was again outstanding and it was nice to see the big man Oli Hawkins get on the scoresheet.
Referees seem to pick on him because he’s the big guy.
I felt he was fouled non-stop during the game but the decisions were always given against him.
Sometimes his partnership with Conor Chaplin didn’t quite come off.
However, you’ve got to allow it to develop.
That will come by them getting to know each other by playing games.