Christian Burgess pinpoints the key qualities which are allowing Portsmouth to deliver away success at last

Burgess took pride in his team’s 11th clean sheet of the season as they in a gritty 1-0 Bolton success.

Keith Hill’s side may be bottom of the table after a 12-point deduction, but before their last home loss to Burton they had won three and drawn two of their previous five league encounters on their home patch.

And they showed threat as they chased the game in the second half after Burgess had put his side in front.

There’s been plenty of occasions this season where Pompey have not been able to see out a victory when putting themselves in a winning position.

So Burgess was pleased by the stoic qualities shown by Kenny Jackett’s men.

He said: ‘In the second half it was an ugly win, definitely.

‘It was pleasing how we dug in because it was a bit of an onslaught.

‘In the first half we were the better side and had more of a threat going forward.

‘In the second we played more on the counter but still had a couple of chances to put things away.

‘But they were always going to come on strong. Their manager was always going to say something at half time and they were going to come on better than their first-half performance.

‘This is not an easy place to come. All of their results have come at home.

‘So we’re delighted to take the three points and the clean sheet.’

There were many examples of Pompey putting their heads and limbs in the way to ensure they picked up the points, as the home side poured forward after the break.

And when they did get behind the defence, Bolton found Alex Bass in fine form as he played a big role in his side picking up their 11th clean sheet of the season.

Burgess added: ‘It’s really pleasing to grind it out and us at the back especially love those wins.

‘When you make those blocks and put those headers in it’s a delight.

‘It’s important winning away from home because it’s been a challenge at times.

‘We’ve got a great record at home, so it’s pleasing to go somewhere like Bolton and win.

‘I know they’re down at the bottom but they have experience and I think it’s a great win for us.’