Ben Close has told of his Pompey pride after celebrating his maiden Blues goal.

The local-boy-done-good put Pompey 2-1 up at Blackpool towards the end of a game they eventually won 3-2.

He was understandably buoyant afterwards, when he said he hoped he could now keep his place in the Blues midfield.

Close told The News: ''It was a great feeling and once I saw it hit the net it was a weight off my shoulders and a bit of a relief. I’m absolutely delighted with the goal and it helped us earn the three points.

‘I’ve been dreaming of occasions like that for years — ever since I started playing for the club. It was really special. When I celebrated, I could see people in the crowd I have grown up with. ‘It was an incredible feeling to celebrate with the supporters.

'I’d like to think the goals will come like buses now for me. I’m more worried about picking up three points but hopefully I can bring goals to the team as well. I was scoring goals in pre-season and playing well, I thought. I knew if I kept performing like that and training well my chance would come. Hopefully I can keep my place in the side now.

‘I’ve not really played a in a game like that before — with goals coming in such a short space of time. Thankfully, we held on at the end.’

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