Paul Benson is convinced Pompey’s work-rate deserved better than the weekend Doncaster defeat.
The on-loan striker was given a starting role alongside Izale McLeod following his arrival Fratton Park on Thursday.
He couldn’t help prevent a 1-0 loss to Rovers, with Iain Hume’s first-half goal sending the Blues to their sixth successive defeat.
But the Swindon man remained encouraged by the display – and, in particular, with the effort he believes caretaker boss Guy Whittingham’s men put in.
He said: ‘There’s that whole argument if you don’t put the ball into the back of the net you don’t deserve anything, and we had enough good opportunities and good moments in the final third to possibly get a couple of goals.
‘But I think we put enough effort in to win a game.
‘I was encouraged by our work-rate. There is nothing worse than losing a game of football and the boys haven’t put in 100 per cent.
‘I thought Doncaster came off the pitch knowing they had been in a game and if 100-per-cent effort is a minimal requirement – we put that in.
‘Now if we can add a bit of quality to the game as well, hopefully, we can start seeing a change of fortune.
‘I thought the first half we played well and the goal was against the run of play.
‘Considering the run the boys have been on, they did well to get their heads back up and keep playing and then come out again second half and put the pressure on.’
– NEIL ALLEN