Jackett hopes Portsmouth roll their sleeves up after beating Fleetwood

Posted Wednesday, February 21, 2018 by PA

Portsmouth manager Kenny Jackett hopes his side can build on victory over struggling Fleetwood as they bid to climb towards the play-off places.

A Jamal Lowe 24th minute strike and 75th minute Oliver Hawkins effort sent Pompey on their way to a 2-1 victory over Fleetwood.

Conor McAleny’s superb late strike set-up a tense finish but Jackett’s men roared on to serve Town their eighth successive defeat.

It was a win that moved them to within two points of six-placed Charlton and the Portsmouth boss is targeting a big week and another three points at home to Blackpool on Saturday.

He said: “(It was a great result) at a time when we need to get going, we are looking for one of those top six places and we are looking for the big week that can get us the run.

“This starts off, sets up and promotes a really big game against Blackpool at Fratton Park on Saturday. One I’m really looking forward to.

“Adam May’s long range shot (that hit the woodwork) and the corner that was it a penalty? Or was it cleared off the line at the start of the second half? I wondered if those chances would cost us but they didn’t.

“There was a good spirit amongst the players and I was delighted with the win.

“I thought we grew into the game, they started better but we got an excellent goal against a back five you have to get your wide men going at crucial times and in key areas. We did that.

“We looked like we were comfortable defensively and then McAleny has put it in the top corner.

“It was an excellent goal and it showed we did need the second to get the win.”

It was Fleetwood’s first game since the sacking of head coach Uwe Rosler after Saturday’s dismal 3-0 defeat at Doncaster.

Barry Nicholson was the man given the task of steering Fleetwood through an uncertain time but the caretaker head coach had to watch his side slip to defeat as they remained just above the drop zone due to goal difference.

He said: “Obviously disappointed with the result again, it is a bit of a kick in the teeth for the lads.

“I just wish they had the same belief that they had in the start of the game that they had at the end of the game.

“I think we started the game well in the first 15-20 minutes, the goal set us back obviously when you play not bad and then concede a goal it knocks the stuffing out of you a little bit.

“I can’t complain about the players’ effort I think they gave me everything just that bit of belief became more and more evident in the last 15-20 minutes, we get a goal back and sort of pushed them for the second one but we unfortunately could not get it.”