Jack Whatmough pinpoints positives from Portsmouth opening draw with Shrewsbury

The Blues were held to a goalless draw in a disappointing display at a behind-closed-doors Fratton Park.

Kenny Jackett’s men struggled to create, yet were defensively sound, particularly with man-of-the-match Whatmough at their heart.

Nonetheless, it was a frustrating outcome for a Pompey side which again have promotion aspirations.

However, Whatmough was heartened by the outcome as the Blues registered their first point of the campaign from the off.

He told The News: ‘You can look at it from the point of view of frustration and not getting the win, but there are a lot of positives to take from it.

‘We played Shrewsbury in the first game of the season last year and lost 1-0, they are a tough team.

‘We thought they would have blown up fitness-wise but they didn’t, they are a very fit team, a very well-organised team.

‘We were not happy with a draw, because no-one is, but we were happy there’s a point on the board for the first game of the season.

‘You look at other clubs. Peterborough lost, Oxford lost, Sunderland drew.

‘A point on the board on the first day is not a bad thing, so we are happy with that.

‘Looking back to the year we were promoted under Paul Cook, we drew the first game of the season against Carlisle. So I don’t think it’s a bad thing.

‘It’s so early on and there are going to be so many games this year, you just have to focus on coming back – and hopefully this stadium can fill up soon and that will be an added advantage for us.’

Pompey scored in each of their previous two matches this season – both cup competitions.

Yet they drew a blank today, with Tom Naylor coming closest following a late header against the bar.

And Whatmough, who celebrated his 100th Pompey appearance, is unconcerned about failing to break down the Shrews.

He added ‘They are a very good team from set-pieces. Strong, fit and fast, and defensively we dealt with them very well today.

‘I think going forward we looked good and we looked bright. The goals will come.

‘I have no doubt we’ll score goals this year, just as long as we keep that defensive record like that.’