Skipper Tom Naylor delivers verdict on Portsmouth's draw against Crewe

The Blues were held to a goalless stalemate at Gresty Road and dropped to sixth in the League One table.

The clash was scrappy at times but Pompey had the better of the chances.

The best opportunity without doubt arrived in the 59th minute when the visitors were awarded a penalty after Ronan Curtis was bundled over in the box by Crewe keeper Will Jaaskelainen.

However, John Marquis’ tame effort was easily saved.

The striker, who was passed fit for the clash having been doubtful with an ankle problem, also spurned a free header moments earlier.

In addition, Jack Whatmough had an effort well stopped by Jaaskelainen in the first period.

Naylor took heart from the chances the Blues created as the players continue to head coach Danny Cowley’s style of play.

The captain said: ‘We had a lot of chances. Jono missed the penalty and had a header that went straight at the keeper, Whaty had a chance at the back post that was saved.

‘We are creating chances and playing football that’s forward and keeping the ball on the pitch.

‘That’s what the gaffer wants and we need to keep working hard in training to get where we want to get to.

‘We played well, got round the ball well and kept it. There were enough chances to win that game because we had spells – we deserved more than what we got.’

Pompey’s injury problems in the final third are well documented with Ellis Harrison and Michael Jacobs both out for the rest of the season, while Jordy Hiwula remains a long-term absence.

However, Naylor insists Pompey can find a way around the difficult situation in their bid for promotion.

He said: ‘We’ve got three strikers who are all different and two are injuryed,

‘Ellis is out and it’s a massive blow because his aerial ability and physique is big for us, while Jordy is quick, a good finisher and can play off the last man.

‘They’re all different players but we just need to work around it. I’m sure we will.’