Gaffer: Barnsley demolition the best I have seen Portsmouth play for years

Gaffer for a Day, James Blake, aged 31 from North End, gives his verdict on Pompey’s 4-2 FA Cup success over Barnsley...
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Did you enjoy that?

That’s the best I have see us play for years, I actually enjoyed it!

We were commanding, dominant and all-round fantastic. Pompey are good at home but to win how they did was quite impressive.

Gaffer for a Day, James Blake, believes Andy Cannon shaded Steve Seddon (pictured) for Pompey's man of the match against Barnsley. Picture: Joe PeplerGaffer for a Day, James Blake, believes Andy Cannon shaded Steve Seddon (pictured) for Pompey's man of the match against Barnsley. Picture: Joe Pepler
Gaffer for a Day, James Blake, believes Andy Cannon shaded Steve Seddon (pictured) for Pompey's man of the match against Barnsley. Picture: Joe Pepler
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Goals were being banged in for fun, the whole thing was good to watch and we definitely deserved the win.

There was nothing we could do about their first goal, Alex Bass dived like a salmon to no avail, it was a fantastic strike.

Who stood out for you?

It is between Andy Cannon and Steve Seddon for man of the match, but Cannon just shades it.

Cannon was firing on all cylinders, he’s tenacious, creates behind the striker, is sharp, closes players down and causes the opposition so many problems.

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He was brilliant and I take all responsibility because I picked him in my side pre-match!

Seddon has been brilliant since he arrived at the club, I don’t think Lee Brown will get back in, but you never know with Kenny Jackett.

Would you keep this side for Lincoln?

The only change I would make is Jack Whatmough for Sean Raggett, which speaks for itself really.

The team played so well and I always believe if you put in a performance like that you deserve to stay in the side for the next match.

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If we can beat Barnsley, we can beat anyone in this division, even if they were rubbish for a Championship side.

Ben Close also deserves to stay in the team, he’s got an eye for goals and tidies up, he keeps things ticking over in midfield.

Who do you want in round five of the FA Cup?

I cannot contradict myself, I said in the preview I wanted us to go out and I still think we need to go out.

I stand by that, there are too many games coming up and the priority is promotion.

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However, now we are in the fifth round, I want us to get one of the big boys at Fratton Park for a fun day out.

Liverpool would be fantastic, can you imagine Sean Raggett up against Mo Salah!

Alex Bass 8

James Bolton 7

Christian Burgess 8

Sean Raggett 7

Steve Seddon 9

Ben Close 7

Tom Naylor 8

Ryan Williams 7

Andy Cannon 9

Ronan Curtis 8

John Marquis 7

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