Relieved Davies looking for more Pompey glory

Few would have been more relieved than Tom Davies following Pompey's thumping of Barnet.
Tom Davies, left, with Pompey keeper David Forde after the 5-1 win against Barnet on Saturday Picture: Joe PeplerTom Davies, left, with Pompey keeper David Forde after the 5-1 win against Barnet on Saturday Picture: Joe Pepler
Tom Davies, left, with Pompey keeper David Forde after the 5-1 win against Barnet on Saturday Picture: Joe Pepler

His indiscretion, an errant hand in the air, had gifted the Bees the opportunity to break the deadlock from the penalty spot.

As it turned out, the Blues responded in devastating fashion after falling behind to John Akinde’s 27th-minute spot-kick.

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Inspired by the classy Gary Roberts, they recovered to run out comfortable 5-1 winners against Martin Allen’s side.

It marked a fifth win in six for Paul Cook’s in-form side, who tomorrow night head to Blackpool (7.45pm) aiming to build on a placing of second in League Two.

And for Davies, thankfully, no damage done from the mistake he has pledged to learn from.

He said: ‘I felt the guy coming (Akinde) and thought “he is going to win this header” so put my hand up to hold him off.

‘But I then flicked my header off my own hand.

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‘I thought I’d got away with it as well – but it was a penalty.

‘It was a bit stupid to put my hand in the air – and at half-time I was told it was my mistake!

‘We have good team spirit, though, no doubt about that, and the lads rallied around each other to get the victory.

‘Gary Roberts gets his goal straight after half-time and then you have that momentum. It was an enjoyable second half to be involved in.

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‘I must admit, I gave a big sigh of relief when Conor Chaplin equalised – and then when we got two and three.

‘I was very thankful to the lads for helping me out, but these things happen.

‘You are not going to go through a season without making them.

‘I’m just glad we have the quality in the rest of the team that can help me out and it’s great having a game so soon afterwards to try to put it right.

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‘We are in good form. Accrington was a blip and frustrating for me against my old team – there were a few little rivalries on the pitch, but that is football.

‘Now we’re looking forward to going to Blackpool and hopefully winning three points.’

Davies has established himself alongside Christian Burgess at the heart of the defence, starting the past five league games together.

Despite the Blues losing 1-0 at Accrington in their previous away match, Davies was one of only a few who emerged with any credit.

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It pitched him against Billy Kee – friend and former Crown Ground team-mate.

And tomorrow could see another reunion if former Plymouth striker – and thorn in Pompey’s side – Jamille Matt earns a Blackpool start.

Davies added: ‘I’m good mates will Billy Kee and had to have a drink with him after the Accrington game to smooth over a few cracks we’d created during the game!

‘I spoke to Jamille Matt on Monday night to see how he is doing, I know he has been injured and is just coming back.

‘I was with him at Fleetwood and still keep in contact, he’s a good lad who can be a handful.

‘If he’s playing, I am sure I’ll get into him!’