Gaffer: Comfortable win over Bristol Rovers - but Portsmouth still need nine points out of nine to secure play-offs

Back to winning ways for Pompey then.

Yes, the performance wasn't the best we've played all season, but it was a significant improvement from the total rubbish we saw against Swindon.

The first half was a fairly scrappy encounter, but the new George Byers and Ronan Curtis link-up was excellent and we definitely grew into the game.

The second half had a slower tempo to it, but we managed to see the match out with ease.

I’m surprised with the lack of fight that Rovers put up given their position in the table, but that worked in our favour.

So can Pompey reach the play-offs?

Definitely, but realistically they would require nine points out of nine.

I think we could possibly get away with two wins and a defeat, but it's very risky and I wouldn't feel confident.

Those in and around us have much harder fixtures, which definitely works in our advantage as we face Accrington twice and AFC Wimbledon.

Accrington don't have much to play for at this late stage in the season and Wimbledon realistically need only a couple of points to guarantee safety.

The return of Lee Brown – and possibly Jordy Hiwula – can only be a positive for this Pompey team, so that will almost certainly help with the last push towards the playoffs.

Who was your man of the match?

It has to be Byers, he looked a different class with his elegant touches and incredible vision.

Central midfield is definitely an area of the pitch where we lack that next-level standard that we need to be a successful team at the top end of the division.

It’s hard to justify why he hasn't been given that much game time since his arrival from Swansea.

Would you like the Cowley brothers to remain beyond this season?

I would definitely welcome the Cowley brothers to an extended stay on the south coast.

They've really reignited the magical football spark within many fans with their honest interviews, visions for the future, and high press attacking football.

We are definitely very lucky to have them, and I'm looking forward to watching them take Pompey to the Championship.

Craig MacGillivray 7

Callum Johnson 7

Sean Raggett 7

Rasmus Nicolaisen 8

Tom Naylor 7

Ben Close 7

Ryan Williams 7

Marcus Harness 6

George Byers 8

Ronan Curtis 8

John Marquis 6

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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