Simon Grayson praises Bradford effort after denting Portsmouth’s play-off hopes - 7M sport

Simon Grayson praises Bradford effort after denting Portsmouth’s play-off hopes



Posted Wednesday, April 18, 2018 by PA

Simon Grayson praises Bradford effort after denting Portsmouth’s play-off hopes

Simon Grayson praised his Bradford side for raising their game to secure only a second win in 16 matches against League One play-off contenders Portsmouth.

Portsmouth had the chance to move into the top six but were denied by goals from Nathaniel Knight-Percival, substitute Matthew Lund and leading scorer Charlie Wyke as Bradford secured a deserved 3-1 victory.

Brett Pitman had equalised for Pompey midway through the second half but defeat ended their run of six unbeaten matches.

Grayson said: “We knew it was going to be another tough game against a strong team aiming to gain promotion through the play-offs.

“We set the standards in the Shrewsbury game and we knew we had to go beyond those standards if we were going to win this game.

“I thought the players did everything we asked them to do – do the basics right and you get a chance to win the game and we did all of that tonight. The players have responded really well from the criticism they received after the 5-0 drubbing at Blackpool.

“Supporters got behind us – they appreciate honesty and hard work. Now we want to finish the season in a positive manner.

“I was slightly disappointed – I was trying to make a substitution when the equaliser went in – Brett Pitman was dropping deeper and causing us a few problems, but we didn’t let our heads drop. We responded quickly with Matty Lund’s goal and saw the game out in the in the proper manner.

“I was pleased to see Charlie Wyke get a goal – he led the line well. He hasn’t trained since last Thursday and only passed a fitness test on his hip injury this morning.”

Portsmouth manager Kenny Jackett was frustrated by some of his side’s defending but has not given up on back-to-back promotions for his side.

He said: “I was disappointed with the goals Bradford scored. They scored two goals from set-pieces and we have got to do better for their second goal. We had the opportunity to clear the ball before Matty Lund nipped in to score.

“We had the momentum at that stage of the game having just equalised and that goal came from a moment of hesitation when we were on top.

“We have been chasing the play-offs for a little while and now we need maximum points from our last three games, two of which are at home. We have got to do everything in our power to get those three wins.”

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