Andy Awford sees Pompey's 1-1 draw at Cheltenham as a step in the right direction after a wretched run of results.

A second-half strike by Nigel Atangana, set up by Jack Whatmough, earned Pompey's first point on the road since the 0-0 draw at York in early October.

Pompey could have comer away with all three points had they taken their chances but the manager was pleased with the performance and hopes they can build on it in the coming weeks.

He told the club website: 'I’m pleased with the performance, which was excellent. We came with a game-plan and the players carried it out. We wanted to keep things tight and grow into the game as it went on.

'I thought we were unfortunate to go in behind at the break — it’s the only shot on target I can remember them having. We weren’t defensive, but we wanted to catch them on the counter-attack. I think we upped the quality in the second half and created more chances.

'The lads dug in and showed plenty of character. We probably deserved to win the game on the basis of our possession and chances created. I thought we totally dominated after half-time and although we would have liked a win, that’s a start. We’ve now got something to build on going into a busy period just after Christmas.'

The Blues host AFC Wimbledon on Boxing Day and visit Luton next Sunday.

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