No point in looking back - Kenny Jackett wants further momentum as Portsmouth prepare to take on Coventry

Pompey threw away a 3-1 lead against Mark Robins’ troops at Fratton Park in August, despite the visitors ending the game with nine men.

The surprise draw contributed to a below-par start to the season for the Blues, with Jackett & Co having to wait until Bolton’s visit to PO4 more than a move later for their next League One win

Pompey have managed to overcome those early teething problems, though, and go into tonight’s game at Birmingham City’s St Andrew's stadium unbeaten since the turn of the year and in search of 10-straight victories in all competition.

That run has also propelled them up the league table, where they currently sit fifth – a point and a place below tonight’s hosts, but more importantly six points behind league leaders Rotherham with two games in hand.

And it’s those huge gains, plus the rewards further momentum will bring, that Jackett will be focusing on as he prepares his side for a test of their promotion credentials at Coventry.

He also warned his players not to take winning for granted after they secured a club-record nine wins on a trot since entering the league in 1920 against Tranmere last time out.

When asked about tonight’s game, Jackett told Pompey's Youtube channel: ‘We don't look back, we look forward.

‘We have to look forward to the final third of the season and see it as a great chance and opportunity.

‘But realise as well that we have to be humble enough to realise we have to work hard to earn every single point that we get.

‘It won't just happen for us, it won't happen for us against good sides.

‘Top of the league is a good competition with some very good teams and Coventry have been a very good side this year and we'll be tested.’

At present the Blues are chasing silverware on three fronts, with their League One promotion push accompanied by impressive runs in both the FA Cup and EFL Trophy.

Jackett admitted it was an exciting time for the club, with everyone up for the challenges ahead.

But ahead of a fourth v fifth test at Coventry, the manager reiterated his belief that the league takes top priority.

He added: ‘It's an exciting time, there's no doubt about that.

‘The players are looking forward to it.

‘But it's a challenge, a big challenge - one we should enjoy, definitely.

‘Undoubtedly, the most important one is the league.

‘We want to finish strong in that if at all possible.'