Why Portsmouth are snuffing out their rivals' threat once again on their charge up League One

The Blues grafted their way to a seventh win on the spin and second shut out on the bounce with a 2-0 success at Lincoln.

The clean sheet made it two goals conceded in the past four games for Kenny Jackett’s side and seven goals in eight in all competitions in 2020.

Raggett believes his team are developing a strong defensive understanding which is making a big impact on the campaign, as they moved into the play-off places for the first time this term.

But it’s also the endeavour of the team and determination to press the opposition in all area of the pitch which making life so uncomfortable for opponents.

That was witnessed in the hard running seen from the likes of John Marquis and the attacking trio behind him at Sincil Bank.

Raggett acknowledged the importance of that ethos to Pompey’s success.

He said: ‘I was pleased with the clean sheet.

‘The more games we play with each other the more understanding we have. It felt like we were covering each other well.

‘We were all battling and working hard and it wasn’t just the lads at the back.

‘There’s John (Marquis) working hard up front and pressing the defence non stop.

‘I don’t think we gave them many great chances, perhaps one or two half chances.

‘Any team will have one or two half chances so I think it was a good performance.

‘It’s a whole team effort which got us the clean sheet and why it's going well.’

The upwardly-mobile nature of Pompey’s season is palpable after breaking into the top six off the back of an unbeaten start to the new year.

Hitting those positions is undoubtedly a landmark, but Raggett is keeping his feet firmly on the floor with so much football still to be played.

The focus is firmly on maintaining their form with promotion rivals Sunderland up next at Fratton Park.

He added: ‘In football things can change very quickly.

‘We’re not going to get ahead of ourselves.

‘There’s still a long to go this season and we just want to keep the form going.

‘It’s a good time to come into form but we need to keep it going.

‘We’re a lot more confident as a group and are looking forward to the games coming up.’