The impact Oli Hawkins knows he can have on Portsmouth's promotion push following his Exeter cameo

Oli Hawkins believes his Exeter cameo underlined he can still impact Pompey's League One promotion push.
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The striker made an impact as the Blues booked their return to Wembley in the EFL Trophy final.

With the Fratton Park clash goalless, Hawkins came off the bench to replace Ben Close in the 54th minute

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And making his first appearance in more than a month, he helped Kenny Jackett’s men complete a dramatic 3-2 victory at Fratton Park.

Hawkins was primarily Pompey's first-choice striker during last season's failed play-off bid.

But following the summer arrivals of Ellis Harrison and John Marquis – who notched the Blues’ winner last night – it's reduced the ex-Dagenham man to a bit-part role.

While Hawkins accepts he’s now down the pecking order, he insists he still has plenty to contribute during the business end of the campaign.

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He said: ‘Football is all about competition, changing the game and bringing something different.

Oli Hawkins celebrates Pompey's win over Exeter. Picture: Joe PeplerOli Hawkins celebrates Pompey's win over Exeter. Picture: Joe Pepler
Oli Hawkins celebrates Pompey's win over Exeter. Picture: Joe Pepler

‘That's what I always look to do when I get my chance when I play. I’ll do that every game and I'm very happy to get through and to Wembley.

‘The gaffer didn't really give me a message, to be fair. He just said get on and do what you can, really.

‘That's all I look to do when I do come on – be a presence, win flick-ons, win as many fouls as I can and get some chances.

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‘I felt like I did that and gave the team a little buzz. I feel like I’ve been knocking on the door in training in the past few months and been ready.

‘When the team is winning and doing well, it’s difficult to knock on the manager's door. Ellis and John are playing well and it's hard to argue.

‘I've had to stay patient. Last night, it wasn't nice seeing Ellis get injured but it paved the way for me to get a few minutes.

‘I’d like to think I showed what I can do and what I can bring and hopefully the fans know that I’m able to bring that.

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‘If it isn't on a weekly basis and on rare occasion, then I can show it’s still there.’

Pompey’s win was as dramatic as they come.

All five goals were in the closing stages of the game and the Blues twice battled back from behind through Marcus Harness and Cameron McGeehan.

Hawkins expected a penalty shootout – but Marquis cropped up with his 13th goal of the season with virtually the last kick of the game.

He added: ‘I didn’t think we could win the game. I thought we might have nicked a draw then got to penalties.

‘Luckily John is a fox in the box. He is deadly in the box and it was right place, right time to score that winner.’

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