It was said last week - and it will be said again this week if Pompey are below par but grind out a victory at Hartlepool.

Equally it might be uttered if the Blues play well and lose. The result is all that matters.

You won't find too many disagreeing with that sentiment at this sharp end of the season, when Pompey could be just a few wins away from promotion to League One.

Boss Paul Cook has told the Pompey club website: 'It wasn’t a particularly enjoyable game last week, but the three points were vital — as are any points at this stage of the season. The more you debate the match, the more you come back to the result and that’s the most important thing.

'That’s just the way the games are at this stage of the campaign, unless you’re Doncaster and possibly Plymouth who, for me, have nearly completed the job already. For us it will still be a case of getting nervous and agitated whenever things are going against you.

'But the bigger picture says that whatever teams go up will deserve to — and we’re quite hopeful that will include us. You’ve got to have belief in your squad of players, while our supporters will travel to games in their thousands and Fratton Park will be sold out.'

Cook has no new reported injury worries for the trip to the north-east, which his team make having extended their lead in third place to six points over Stevenage.

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