‘A proper Portsmouth performance’: John Mousinho’s message of thanks to Fratton Faithful after huge Millwall win
John Mousinho lauded a ‘proper’ Pompey performance as they ran through Millwall in the Fratton rain.
And the Blues boss lauded the Fratton Faithful for responding to the rising pressure by carrying his team forward to a big 3-1 win.
Pompey put a six-game Championship run without a win to bed amid a relentless downpour, as sensational strikes from Jordan Williams, Zak Swanson and slightly deflected Adrian Segecic effort did the damage.
The conditions made for a fitting stage for a display in the image of Mousinho’s side, as they showcased many of the best qualities seen in his Fratton tenure.
Mousinho said: ‘Every win is big - but this feels like a big three points.
‘It takes us away a bit from the bottom three and it claws back the sides above us.
‘Most importantly today, and I know the points are important, it just felt like a proper performance - it was a proper Portsmouth performance.
‘I think that’s what everyone has been waiting for this season.
‘We’ve won games and were good against Middlesbrough and Preston, but the whole feeling felt different today.
‘It’s easy for me to say now, but I just had a funny feeling coming into the ground today, it was windy, raining and cold.
‘Millwall are no pushovers and are an extremely physical side, but it felt like it was set up for us to perform properly - and we did.’
Pompey’s struggles going into the game had seen pressure mount as they fell down the Championship table, but the home followers responded by upping the volume through the game’s opening.
Mousinho’s side then gained a foothold with their committed play and the opener arriving from Swanson in the 22nd minute.
When asked if the Pompey crowd responded to the position their team are in, Mousinho said: ‘I felt that.
‘I spoke earlier in the week about us needing to perform and do something to lift the crowd.
‘We were okay and decent in the opening, but not enough to warrant that reaction: it was brilliant. It was brilliant to be a part of and it makes a massive difference - it carries everyone through.
The players were up on their toes, we defended well and attacked with more verve: I thought that spell made a huge difference to us.’