Clinical was the word boss John Mousinho used to describe Pompey's performance in their 4-1 win over Reading, and you'd be hard-pushed to find anyone who'd disagree.

Some brilliant finishes featured as goals by Paddy Lane, Marlon Pack, Callum Lang and Colby Bishop ended Reading's recent unbeaten run in emphatic style and maintained the Blues' six-point lead at the top of League One.

But for the first half hour or so, Reading looked dangerous and Pompey could not get to grips with the game.

Mousinho told the club media: 'It felt like there were about 25-30 minutes of Reading being on top and they caused us a lot of problems. We had to adjust the way we pressed and were a lot better after we’d done that, getting the goal at just the right time.

'It became more open after the break because of the fact they were chasing and we managed to be clinical, taking advantage of our chances. We knew that we’d have to deal with their aggression and if we could pick up the second balls, then it’s about what we can do.

'It was about showing a bit of composure and there would be opportunities – I always felt there would be goals in the game. We were ruthless and some of the criticism of this team during the season is that we haven’t always been.

'That clinical side is something that we do have to develop, so it was pleasing to see it on this occasion.'

Myles Peart-Harris was absent from the squad but Mousinho said it was not a case of yet another serious injury.

He said: 'He picked up a minor knock on Tuesday night and just felt his knee slightly when he tried to train on Friday. We’ll get an update on him on Monday morning, but it doesn’t appear to be anything too concerning.'

Pompey go to Charlton next Saturday and host Oxford United a week later.

Photo: Action Images

BillyBlueboy added 10:21 - Feb 19 Now its all about everyone keeping their nerve and not allowing those doubts to upset sleep patterns , Perhaps we should hire a hypnotist for a weekly sermon. Please dont blow it as that is the only way we can blow it now, WE have the Best owners, management, team squad ,Ground, atmosphere , All we need now is a bit of luck and some decent refereeing decisions , the way the rest of the cloggers have tried to cripple our players is unbelievable, PLAY-UP- POMPEY.

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