Kenny Jackett looking forward as Portsmouth eye 15-game promotion timetable

The Blues boss shrugged off last night’s late defeat at Coventry to remain optimistic over their chances of escaping League One.

Matty Godden’s goal six minutes from time separated the high-flying rivals who had served up a dull affair at St Andrew’s.

It represented the Blues’ maiden defeat in 2020 – and ended a club-record nine successive wins.

However, Jackett insisted on looking ahead, with Shrewsbury visiting Fratton Park on Saturday.

He said: ‘We are looking at a campaign where we have 15 games left in a 44-game season.

‘That is almost exactly a third – and in a very short space of time.

‘It’s still a big chunk of the season, we are sixth in the league and we should capitalise and look forward.

‘We have a good group with a good attitude and should attack these games coming up.

‘Last night the two big ones were Ellis’ first touch, when the keeper made a good save, and the one at the end where James Bolton headed it across and he couldn’t quite get over it.

‘On another day there is a goal in either of those opportunities.

‘We are frustrated with those situations, but pleased we created them in a tight game in which generally we were on top. We are disappointed not to get anything from it.

‘We have to remember that again we weren't outplayed. When we lose games or don't quite get the points, I cannot say there are sides a cut above us in the league – and that was the way last night.

‘Coventry have lost only three games and needed to defend against us. From being quite a free-flowing team, we came here and stopped them.

‘They needed to defend and defended very well, particularly through a period which kept them in it to be able to go on and get a winner.’

Pompey had gone 10 matches in 2020 undefeated in all competitions.

That period appeared as if it would be stretched with the scoreline against Coventry goalless heading into the 84th minute.

Then substitute Godden, on the pitch for two minutes, hooked in the winner.

Jackett added: ‘You never want to lose and obviously we are frustrated.

‘But, similarly, we were on top for large spells and a lot of players did themselves a lot of credit last night.

‘We have a good third of the season to go, it’s a big chunk, there’s a lot to play for, we are in a good position. We have to use it.’