Just as Pompey are trying to concentrate on off-field matters - in particular a change of right-hand man for Andy Awford - along comes a football match to interrupt their train of thought.

Accrington Stanley are Saturday's visitors to Fratton and like every recent home game, it's one that Pompey need to win to get back on track after another dismal showing on the road.

You could point out Pompey are in the top half of League Two and Accrington in the bottom half ahead of their Fratton tussle, but that disguises the fact they're actually 12th and 13th and level on points, Stanley having registered one more win than their hosts.

It'll be a first game at Pompey for Gary Waddock, the new assistant manager and the replacement, unveiled on Friday, for Alan McLoughlin, who got the push a few days after the latest awayday disaster at Tranmere.

Awford wants everyone to focus on the football and says despite the prospect of a tough game, this is one Pompey can win to continue their fine run of home form.

He told the club website: 'I went up to watch Accrington against Yeovil in the FA Cup last weekend and they’re a good footballing side. They held a higher league outfit to a draw and probably deserved to go through on the balance of play — and they’ve got the reward of a tie against Manchester United if they win the replay.

'Accrington get the ball down and try to play the right way — if you let them they can cause you problems. But I’m confident we can get three points if we play to our potential — just as we have done at Fratton Park all season.

'This place will be rocking on Saturday and I know the fans will get behind the team just like they always do. We’re fresh and ready to go after a two-week break. We’ve used the time well to prepare properly for this game. It’s all about taking things one game at a time and we’re fully focused on trying to collect three points against Accrington.'

Pompey are without suspended Jed Wallace but Joe Devera is in contention after recovering from a hamstring injury.

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