Gaffer: Portsmouth win at Lincoln could be massive as defence remains undroppable

How important could that win prove to be?

I think that it could be pretty massive. Not just the performance alone but for us to have got the three points again is even better.

The team seems to have started to really settle back into the swing of things and this can only prove to be a good thing going forward, with the run of games we have coming up.

Was last night the best away performance you’ve seen this season?

Yes it probably was, but not in terms of the quality of football.

However, as a footballing unit, I would have to say that last night was the best I have seen us play so far this campaign.

Which players stood out to you?

I think that the back four were particularly impressive once again and I would struggle to single out any of them.

I had wanted to see Jack Whatmough get back into the team but after last night, I just cannot see how you can drop anyone from the defence at the moment.

If I have to pick out one performance as a highlight then I would have to go for either Sean Raggett or Steve Seddon as my man of the match, they were both excellent at the back.

Would you remain unchanged again for Sunderland?

No, I probably wouldn’t. I felt that Ryan Williams looked a bit leggy last night, especially as the game progressed. I don’t think he has it in him fitness-wise at the moment to play three games in a week.

Elsewhere, I would also look to rotate in the middle of the park, bringing Cameron McGeehan back into the midfield, most likely in place of Ben Close, as opposed to dropping Tom Naylor.

Darren's Pompey ratings

Alex Bass 7

James Bolton 7

Christian Burgess 7

Sean Raggett 8

Steve Seddon 8

Tom Naylor 5

Ben Close 6

Ryan Williams 6

Andy Cannon 6

Ronan Curtis 7

John Marquis 6

Interview conducted by Ciaran Wiseman