Ronan Curtis believes back-to-back wins will lift confidence in the Pompey camp and help the team turn their season around.

The Republic of Ireland international has been a key man for the Blues in recent weeks and helped them secure a League One victory over Southend and an FA Cup success - after going behind - at Harrogate.

The latter win has earned Pompey a home tie against Altrincham in round two but before that Pompey go to Rochdale and host Rotherham in League One.

This weekend is another blank one after opponents Fleetwood opted to call off their visit to Fratton Park because of international call-ups.

Curtis said the cup win in Yorkshire had lifted spirits, telling the club website: 'We dug in deep against a strong, physical Harrogate side. We showed good character to come back and get the win.

'The weather was difficult and we’re not used to playing on a 3G pitch, while it’s frustrating when you travel six hours and then the floodlights keep going off.

'We didn’t really know what was going on, although still kept our focus and our cool to get the job done.

'The season got off to a sticky start, but we’ve won the past two games and hopefully it’s the start of a turnaround.'

Fellow wideman Ryan Williams echoed Curtis's sentiments, saying: 'We are just happy to be in the next round. At least we don’t have to travel in the next round and it gives us an opportunity to try to stamp our authority.

'We’re looking to get our season going and raise the confidence because we’ve been playing well in the league lately.'

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