Kenny Jackett challenges Jamal Lowe to continue Pompey scoring streak

Posted Sunday, April 14, 2019 by PA

Portsmouth manager Kenny Jackett challenged Jamal Lowe to keep on scoring after hitting his 16th goal of the season in the League One promotion-chasers’ 4-1 rout of Rochdale.

Lowe’s goal helped Pompey move to within two points of second-placed Barnsley with a game in a hand.

Jackett said: “It is a really good total and hopefully he is not finished yet.

“We work hard on our wingers getting in between the posts on a very regular basis.

“Jamal does that. He gets across the centre-forward, makes runs and – as well as getting wide and crossing – he can cut in and shoot.

“We do feel it’s something we work on and give him licence to do so. It’s important we recruit players that can do that as well.

“Jamal worked really hard today and got his reward.”

Oli Hawkins headed Pompey into a 21st-minute lead from Lowe’s precise cross.

A Brett Pitman penalty doubled the home side’s advantage on the stoke of half-time after Nathan Thompson had been fouled.

Struggling Dale got themselves back into the game when veteran forward Aaron Wilbraham slotted home.

But Gareth Evans’s 62nd-minute header ended the visitors’ hopes of an unlikely comeback.

Lowe wrapped up a convincing victory with 11 minutes remaining, finishing coolly after being played through by Matt Clarke.

Jackett added: “The promotion race looks wide open between four teams.

“I don’t think anyone is in the driving seat. All we can do is keep winning our games and see where that takes us.

“It leaves the table very, very tight. We have 15 points to play for and have to get as many as we can out of those.

“We must keep our good form with a crucial Easter period coming up.”

Dale are now just one point and one place above the relegation zone.

Manager Brian Barry-Murphy said: “It was always going to be a huge test for us. Portsmouth have been an amazing team this season.

“They were strong last season but this season they’ve taken it to a different level. They’ve got a hugely experienced manager and they’re a fantastic club.

“It was a game we were very excited about so we were disappointed to go 2-0 down before half-time.

“We showed good character to get ourselves back in the game with the goal but Portsmouth’s quality showed in the end.

“We are still not in the relegation zone so our destiny is in our own hands and we have to build on the positives from today.”