Conor Chaplin believes Pompey's work in training on 'physical moments' helped them prosper at the Abbey Stadium.
The goal hero of the 1-0 win at Cambridge which lifted the Blues after their frustrating home defeat to Notts County said they had expected a barrage of long balls into the box and had dealt with them well.
Chaplin told the Pompey website: 'It’s so hard when you’re playing against 11 guys who are just looking to send balls into your box. We’ve worked on those physical moments in training during the week, so it’s nice to see that pay off.
'The centre-halves were winning plenty of headers and I thought they were excellent throughout the game. Cambridge had big lads all over the pitch, but that happens most weeks in League Two, so it’s something we’re used to.
'I didn’t enjoy watching from the sidelines at the end and don’t think I’ve got any nails left now. It’s horrible because you can’t affect things from the bench.'
Chaplin also praised Christian Burgess for his ball into the box that the striker headed home.
He added: 'It was great ball from big Burge. I’m not going to beat two giant defenders, so I peeled off and I got a pin-point cross on the top of my head. Luckily, he saw my movement and a delivery like that is just asking to be put into the net, so I was thankful to see it go in.
'The keeper wasn’t coming out, so I knew what I had to and where I had to place the header. I scored the goal, but massive credit must go to the 10 men who were on the pitch for the last half hour.'
Next for Pompey is an FA Cup tie at home to Wycombe on Saturday.
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