Portsmouth boss hails happy travellers ahead of Hull trip but wants to strike right balance with Fratton form

But the manager stressed the need to get the balance right with Fratton Park victories if Pompey are to contest the automatic promotions spots at the end of the season.

The Blues’ travels have seen them pick up 17 points from a possible 24 so far this term – the joint-second best in the division behind the Tigers.

Fifteen have been accrued at home – but with 10 games to date played at PO4, there’s a recognisable shortfall.

Despite the KCOM stadium fixture coming just days after dropped points at home to Fleetwood, Pompey will be encouraged by their away days. with five of their eight games resulting in wins.

Jackett is equally confident in his side’s ability and determination to keep that form going.

Yet wants to strike the right balance.

He said: ‘I’ve been really pleased with our away form, we’ve had some big performances and we’re going to need another one again at Hull.

‘We have played some big sides already but we are confident whether it’s home or away that we can do well and our determination will be there on Friday.

‘I don’t think our home form has been that bad, we’ve made mistakes in some of the games which have cost us wins, but we have played pretty well this season and that has resulted in us being in the mix in terms of where we are in the table.

‘I do think in terms of the team there’s ability, there is some determination there and we are capable of putting on some good performance, whether that is home or away.

‘If you are going to be near the top of a division you need a good home record and a good away record, it’s not going to work that way if you crack one and not the other - you’ll end up halfway.

‘You want to be competing near the top and in and around the play-off places which we have in recent seasons.

‘Your record is going to have to be at least reasonable if not good if you are going to come out near the top of the division by the end of the season.’

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