Ryan Williams: Portsmouth need pure consistency - or forget about automatic promotion

Successive defeats to Bristol Rovers and Blackpool suggested Kenny Jackett’s men were fading from the battle for League One’s top two.

However, the players responded magnificently to claim a 1-0 triumph at in-form Oxford United on Tuesday night.

The Blues have won five, lost four and drawn one of their last 10 league matches, representing frustrating unpredictability.

The problem is recognised by Williams, who is adamant the issue of consistency needs to be addressed during the final 17 games – starting against Gillingham on Saturday.

He said: ‘I think the Oxford result showed character and I think it showed depth as well.

‘Harvey White came in, Ellis Harrison was up front – it showed the desire and talent of lads coming in. It showed what everyone is about and what the team is about.

‘Pure consistency is now needed. We have enough to be good on a consistent basis and have to keep the foot on the accelerator, rather than taking it off a little.

‘It’s just consistency. You can afford every now and again to have a couple of games where you don’t play at your best or don’t get the result that you want.

‘But it can never go longer than 2-3 games, that’s when problems happen and you are looking down rather than up. Tuesday night told us to look upwards again.

‘You question yourself, question whether you can do it - then when you do get a result like Tuesday, it helps the confidence and helps the mentality of the group.’

Pompey are presently fourth in League One, six points adrift of the automatic promotion spots.

On Saturday they host a Gillingham side positioned 15th, with two wins in their last six matches.

Williams added: ‘We wanted that win at Oxford, we really did.

‘We should have got against Blackpool, but went to the Kassam Stadium and produced a really good performance to improve our position.

‘Losing to Hull at home was a bit of a blip. Games against the top six last season weren’t very good, but it is kind of the opposite this year.

‘This campaign, we also haven’t been very good at home, but better away. We know we need to sort our home form out.

‘Now we’re back home again on Saturday.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

The News has launched a new subscription offer which gives you unlimited access to all of our Pompey coverage, starting at less than £1 a week.

You can subscribe here to get the latest news and transfer updates from Fratton Park - and to support our local team of expert Pompey writers.