The impact storms and glut of Portsmouth home games will have on condition of Fratton Park pitch

And the Blues midfielder praised ground staff for the quality of the pitch presented to players amid the recent storms battering the city.

Pompey face Exeter on home soil tonight in a second quick-fire Fratton clash following Saturday’s meeting with Shrewsbury.

Storm Dennis battered Fratton with gale-force wind and rain at the weekend and there’s been no let-up since in the downpours.

That’s off the back of Storm Ciara doing likewise the previous weekend and having a major impact on the sporting calendar.

Once again, though, there’s currently no concern about tomorrow’s game not going ahead - the second of eight home fixtures from 10 games.

Close feels credit has to be given to those who prepare the Fratton Park pitch for ensuring that’s the case.

He said: ‘The pitch is really good. You only need to look at other pitches in this league. There’s no comparison really.

‘You couldn’t even compare Fratton Park to how it was a few years ago. It’s so much better than it has been, so we’re really grateful for that.

‘At this time of year the pitch at Fratton Park is great.

‘I’m sure it will be able to take all those games rather than travelling to some places in the league where the pitches are looking pretty shattered.

‘That’s not going to be a problem for us. We’re fully looking forward to it.’

Close admitted he’s stunned by Pompey’s success throwing up such a huge number of home games together, but, with more of the same backing the Fratton faithful showed against Shrewsbury anticipated, that’s positive news.

He added: ‘The number of home games is incredible and another good thing for us.

‘If we get another good win, there’s no reason we can’t go on another brilliant run.

‘That (fan patience) comes when you’re on a good run. You do get a little bit more time than maybe if you’re on a bad run.

‘We needed that Saturday in a difficult game in atrocious conditions.

‘It’s so important (the crowd stay supportive).

‘The home form has been great and if we want to do anything this season we need to keep it up. I’m confident we can all pull together and achieve that.’