It's all about 'getting into defenders' faces' for Portsmouth as they seek Ipswich's scalp

That’s the verdict of Ryan Williams, who believes Pompey’s high-energy attacking four brings the best out of the Blues’ talents.

Kenny Jackett’s side are fourth after three defeats in their last 13 League One outings.

In the process, they have rattled up 26 goals, establishing themselves as the divisions’ top scorers.

Pompey had drawn a blank in a docile midweek defeat at Blackpool – only to produce a season’s best in last Saturday’s 2-0 success over Peterborough.

And the difference? Williams, Ronan Curtis, John Marquis and Marcus Harness pressing defenders high.

Williams said: ‘The difference against Peterborough was just a change of shape.

‘Me, Ronan, John and Marcus are all good at pressing and if you can get us four all into the faces of the defenders when they’ve got the ball they will kick it long.

‘When they kick it long, our two boys at the back will eat it up, like they do with any stuff in the air.

‘Then Nayls is there winning the second balls and we go from there. It works really well at the moment.

‘It was a different system against Peterborough, more like a 4-2-3-1 to be honest, whereas having a 4-4-2 can be a bit of a flat two up front.

‘Looking at Blackpool, they were rotating their central midfielder with a false full-back and then their wing-back would go higher and the winger came inside.

‘We just couldn’t get out to them and get into their faces.

‘Last Saturday, especially with the fans present, everybody had a bit of a point to prove.

‘And the players were right in the faces of Peterborough’s team.’

Marquis (11), Curtis (8) and Harness (8) have continued to produce a goal threat to accompany their energy.

While Williams is also a key component with his versatility, craft and relentless work-rate, either down the middle or on the wing.

Now Jackett’s men head to third-placed Ipswich on Saturday for another tough encounter.

Williams added: ‘Peterborough was kind of similar to Tuesday night in terms of that final pass at the end wasn’t there, although the runs were there, just didn’t see them.

‘We carried on in the second half. Whereas the first we couldn’t get that final little pass away.’

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