Kenny Jackett hails impact of Portsmouth substitutes after triumph over Swindon

The Blues last night eased to a 2-0 success over the League One strugglers at a bitterly cold Fratton Park.

Yet it wasn’t until the second-half introduction of bodies from the bench before Jackett’s men sealed a second victory in their last six south-coast fixtures.

George Byers and Ellis Harrison entered on 59 minutes for Marcus Harness and John Marquis.

Within five minutes, Byers’ pass resulted in Ryan Williams being fouled for a penalty – which was put away by Harrison.

Then, on 67 minutes, Lee Brown came on for Charlie Daniels at left-back.

And Jackett was delighted with the influence of his substitutes.

He told The News: ‘I am delighted with the win. I did think we were on top, were the better team and deserved it.

‘It was a good clean sheet, our keeper didn’t have much to do. I would have liked to put it away earlier or by a greater margin, but it’s not always possible.

‘Earlier in the season we put those away at times and got more goals through our explosive players at the top end of the pitch, but it’s not easy to continually produce that.

‘Similarly I did think when our subs came on we went again, found some fresh energy, which is good.

‘It does show we have a squad of players competing and ready to play and contribute – which we are going to need in the upcoming months.

‘When 1-0 up, you are always waiting for a mistake, one bit of magic, but I am pleased where we were defensively and pleased with the two goals we scored.’

Victory lifts Pompey into fourth, just one point behind second-placed Hull with a game in hand.

As for Swindon, who had former Blues favourite Brett Pitman leading their attack, they are now third from bottom.

Jackett added: ‘With Ryan Williams getting the penalty and Ellis putting it away, we needed that in the second half.

‘Similarly, we are always looking to try to drive forwards and score goals as well, taking the game to the opposition. I thought it certainly made the difference with the substitutions.

‘We needed that impetus for the second half to then see the game through and get the points.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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