Portsmouth praised for ‘outstanding spirit’ in Bristol Rovers win

Portsmouth assistant manager Joe Gallen praised the “outstanding spirit” of the players after Pompey survived a second-half onslaught to maintain their 100 per cent League One record.

The match turned on the 78th minute dismissal of Rovers substitute Chris Lines, who had just equalised from the penalty spot after Pompey had taken a 32nd minute lead through Gareth Evans.

The visitors capitalised on their man advantage when Ronan Curtis, who had conceded the penalty for handball, netted an 87th winner against the run of play with a shot on the turn from ten yards.

Gallen admitted: “Even in the first half Rovers caused us problems with Kyle Bennett and Liam Sercombe coming in from the wings. They dominated midfield, but only had one real effort at goal, just before we scored.

“In the second half it was wave after wave of attacks and, on the bench, I was thinking it was just what you expect at Bristol Rovers.

“Last season we were 1-0 up here and ended up losing 2-1. When they scored the penalty I thought the same thing was going to happen again.

“But what outstanding spirit the lads showed to defend so strongly. That is what you have to do at tough venues like this.

“Our fans were brilliant and I can sense a real chemistry growing at our club. Everyone is pulling in the same direction and it has been a great start to the season for us.”

Evans produced a spectacular volley to put Pompey in front, but Rovers levelled when Curtis went to head away a corner only for the ball to strike him on an arm.

Lines netted confidently from the spot, but almost before the cheering had died down he went in with studs showing on Pompey sub Brett Pitman to earn a straight red card from referee Graham Salisbury.

Rovers boss Darrell Clarke said: “We have to be better in both boxes and certainly more clinical in front of goal than we are at the moment.

“I want to see the sending off again before passing judgement, but it looked a red card. I think Chris Lines slipped as he went to make the tackle.

“It was bad timing because we looked as though we could go on and win the game at that point. But we keep giving away poor goals, while not taking our chances at the other end.

“There were some terrific opportunities from in and around the six-yard box tonight. We need to share goals around the team at the moment and players have to step forward in that respect.

“It is no good feeling sorry for ourselves because we played pretty well. We have to dust ourselves down and go again because this is a very tough league.”