Gaffer: I used to be afraid to watch Portsmouth games – not any more

What do you think of the Cowleys’ impact?

Having won three out of three, you cannot ask any more, but I’m worried whether we can keep it going until the season’s end.

We are looking quite tired at the end of games – and against Rochdale just stopped in that second half.

It’s definitely a bit nervy playing out from the back and might take more time to adjust to, however it has been a fantastic turnaround by the Cowleys in such a short space of time.

The fans are absolutely loving it. There’s little touches, such as the gantry at the training ground, miked up for training sessions and the warming-up before the match.

Will Pompey finish in the play-offs?

Three weeks ago I didn’t feel confident. I used to be afraid to watch Pompey – not any more.

The players look totally different and now I believe the play-offs are in our hands, especially with the fixture list in our favour.

Considering the teams we have left to play, I think we have to be cautious when playing far better sides in the play-offs.

But I genuinely believe we will get there – and hopefully can turn around that horrendous semi-final record.

What about automatic promotion?

I will be interested to see how we react to a first defeat under the Cowleys, but if teams around us keep performing the way they have, I can’t see us reaching the top two.

Sunderland and Peterborough will be the top two for me, while Lincoln will be lucky to even stay in the play-offs.

I’d love to say Pompey can win automatic promotion, but I’m afraid it’s a little too late and totally out of reach.

Let’s be honest, I’m 99.9 per cent certain it’s too far gone – and can probably snatch fourth instead.

Who stood out for you?

Ronan Curtis didn’t stop running all game and looked like he had a point to prove after his wasted trip with the Republic of Ireland.

The second goal came at a really good time for Pompey – and he finished it brilliantly.

I would have thought he is most people’s choice for man of the match, definitely the best player I saw out there.

It goes to prove he can fill that striking spot. And while a non-natural striker sometimes will not be in the right positions, which is understandable, they can still perform well.

Craig MacGillivray 7

Callum Johnson 8

Jack Whatmough 8

Sean Raggett 8

Lee Brown 7

Tom Naylor 6

Ben Close 7

Marcus Harness 8

Ryan Williams 8

Michael Jacobs 7

Ronan Curtis 9

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

The News has launched a subscription offer which gives you unlimited access to all of our Pompey coverage, starting at less than 14p a day.

You can subscribe here to get the latest news from Fratton Park - and to support our local team of expert Pompey writers.