Why resolute Portsmouth are confident of bouncing back yet again - this time against Lincoln

Now their resolve will be tested once more as they bid to bounce back from Saturday’s Hull humiliation.

Following a 4-0 thumping at the hands of League One’s leaders, the Blues are presented with another top-of-the-table encounter.

This time Lincoln visit Fratton Park, a side positioned in second spot, three points ahead of Jackett’s men.

History shows that Pompey react impressively to such league setbacks.

The last time they suffered consecutive League One losses was on January 19, 2019, following defeats to Blackpool and Oxford United.

And Joe Gallen is convinced there’ll be another positive response to their latest test.

Pompey’s assistant boss said: ‘The players want a strong reaction to the game on Saturday – and I am fully expecting that’s what will happen.

‘Our response is something we talked about yesterday morning. It’s not a given that the result goes your way, but we are looking for a reaction and I think we will get a reaction.

‘There’s a good mentality within our team. We realise we’re not going to win every game and understand that. We also understand that as soon as we lose one, we want to jump back on and not turn it into a poor period for us.

‘This group has a strong mentality, there’s a strong mentality within the leaders in the group – Tom Naylor, Lee Brown, John Marquis and, to a certain extent, Ellis. They run the changing room.

‘We’ll need to play very well to win and are looking for a positive reaction in all aspects of our play – such as defending to closing down, our passing and creation of chances.

‘Knowing the players like I do, and having spoken to all of them yesterday while taking training, that’s what they are looking to do.’

Hull was Pompey’s first defeat in seven league matches – and second in 12.

Jackett’s troops had been in fine form before that comprehensive scoreline. Now the third-placed side must rebuild.

Gallen added: ‘We were on a phenomenal run which has now ended.

‘Now we need to go on another phenomenal run and with the group we have, trying to put in a much stronger and better performance.

‘We’ve done it in the past – and I’m looking forward to us trying to do it in the future.’

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