Portsmouth boss on lack of goal threat from open play and confidence in turning it around

The Blues lacked any real cutting edge in their 1-0 defeat to Doncaster on Saturday.

Pompey were uninspiring throughout, particularly on the attack, as Reece James’ 79th-minute strike condemned the home side to a second League One loss of the season.

Jackett’s men looked most likely to score from dead-ball situations, with Sean Raggett and Tom Naylor both going close.

The best chance from open play fell to Ellis Harrison when he glanced a header wide in the second period.

Pompey’s attacking shortfalls are a growing concern as it continues to be a frustrating start to the season once again.

Jackett’s confident the Blues can remedy their problems, however.

The manager said: ‘It is early in the season still but, yes, we do want to score from open play as well as set-pieces and we get ourselves into good situations.

‘I am confident that they can turn those good situations into goals in the coming weeks.

‘If you look at John Marquis, Ryan Williams and Michael Jacobs coming on, they are good players to come on.

‘You do need good subs as well and a balance, which is really important.

‘We want those options. If a game is tight after an hour, which it was, and it is very tight with us on top after an hour, you do need those forward options as well.’

Pompey are next in action when they travel to Gillingham on Tuesday evening.