John Mousinho pleased to see Portsmouth setting League One pace

Posted Sunday, September 24, 2023 by PA

Portsmouth manager John Mousinho is enjoying his side’s early position at the top of the League One table.

Pompey cemented their place at the summit after coming from behind to beat Lincoln 2-1 at Fratton Park.

A Paddy Lane effort and a Reagan Poole header against his old club ensured the hosts maintained their unbeaten start to the season after Hakeeb Adelakun’s opener.

Portsmouth lead the table by a point and Mousinho said: “It is very early in the season, but we would prefer to be here than anywhere else.

“It is a really good thing to have and to hold on to. We look at the league table and enjoy it and we hear the fans singing. We use it as extra motivation.

“I thought it was a professional performance and we controlled the game for large periods.

“The only criticism I have is that we didn’t put the game to bed in the second half, but it would have been very harsh if we hadn’t won the game.

“The noise is always noticeable, so for the crowd to go up after they scored made a massive difference because we know they’re behind us and willing us to win.

“It is a consequence of what the fans have seen here over the last few weeks.”

Striker Colby Bishop’s goals were key for Portsmouth last season, but the scoring burden has been shared around more this term, with a winger and centre-back both netting on this occasion.

“Last season we relied heavily on Colby for his goals and there wasn’t a huge amount beyond that,” said Mousinho.

“The coaching staff have worked with Paddy to get him in behind and score more. It is pleasing to see him do that.

“We need that as Colby isn’t always going to have the opportunities and goals so it is important everyone else chips in.”

Lincoln more than held their own and could have levelled late on but for a stunning Will Norris save and boss Mark Kennedy was full of praise for their performance.

He said: “I thought we were outstanding today. I have been head coach at Lincoln for about 70 games and that is one of the best performances we’ve had. But we’ve come out on the wrong end of the score.

“If we play like that most weeks then we will win loads of games. We were excellent today in multiple areas.”

Adelakun’s freak goal, after the ball was kicked into him, was his first of the season after coming close to leaving in the summer.

Kennedy added: “He’s trained really well.

“He’s been a top pro and I’ve told him from day one that if he comes in and does himself justice, I was genuinely pleased with him.

“I told him in the team talk that he was playing on merit.”