Coleman Delighted With Portsmouth Win

Manager John Coleman has said he was delighted to take a three two victory over Portsmouth at the weekend and he felt we thoroughly deserved the result.

A solid performance and goals from Rob Atkinson and John O’Sullivan gave us the two nil lead inside of the opening 15 minute, but Portsmouth came back strong and levelled the scores. The second half was a mixed bag where Luke Joyce had the chance to win us the game from the penalty spot but saw that effort saved, meaning Piero Mingoia won it for us late on with his strike.

Speaking to the Official Site following the game, the manager explained.

‘It was a smashing game. When we knock the ball about we are as good as anybody but the goals we conceded were disappointing and it’s given them an opportunity to get back in the game. But I thought the lads showed great character again – I have seen it a number of times since Jimmy and I came back.’

Coleman goes on to say that without meaning any disrespect, other Accrington teams they have both managed would have gone under in those circumstances and that just shows how far the club have come with our current crop of players, that especially in an atmosphere like that, we didn’t go under and ended up on top again.

‘These players should take the plaudits. Their were a number of turning points in the game – their first goal was disappointing and that gave them a shot, then there was the penalty miss and a big turning point was Jack’s save five minutes into the second half when Portsmouth were building a head of steam up.’

He goes on to say that their home form has been very good so to have gone to Fratton Park, performed like that and taken the victory is a huge result for the club and a testament to the belief and character of the players who showed what he’s always said, they can compete with anybody in this division.

The only other disappointments from the game, other than the goals we conceded having been 2-0 clear, were the groins injuries sustained by John O’Sullivan and Rob Atkinson, and a further injury to Anthony Barry, but they will be assessed so we know how long they may be out for.