The John Smith Column: Win over Pompey vital for North End ahead of important period in season
Prior to the start of this match, I was of the opinion that PNE must pick up a reasonable points haul from the next six matches to ensure this season does not peter out.
With struggling Portsmouth being the first of four home matches in this crucial six-match sequence, I felt this was must-win game.
Unfortunately, our recent home record had not been too good with our only one win from our last seven at Deepdale coming against bottom of the table Sheffield Wednesday on New Year’s Day.
Despite this though I did fancy us for a win but was also aware that no game at this level is a given so although Pompey were towards the bottom of the table, I also had a slight doubt about this game’s outcome.
Pompey buoyed by a vocal following enjoyed the greater share of the attacking play in the first half hour.
During this period I thought that they looked the more likelier side to open the scoring so at this point the slight doubt in my mind started to increase.
However, they also displayed the lack of a cutting edge with no end product which showed why they are the division's lowest scorers on their travels with a paltry nine goals.
As the half moved into its final third we started to get on the front foot enjoying a good ten minute spell during which we scored the games only goal.
It was another goal of real quality for the Deepdale faithful to enjoy when following a pinpoint cross from Andrija Vukcevic, Spurs loanee Alfie Devine sent a looping header into the top corner of the net.
Although the sponsor’s man of the match was captain Ben Whiteman, I personally would have chosen keeper Dai Cornell just ahead of him.
I thought that the "Welsh Schmeichel "had the best game I have ever seen him play for North End especially when dealing with the numerous high balls pumped into the area under his bar from the large amount of corners that the opposition forced..
It was a performance full of grit and determination which on another day the game could have ended up with a different result.
As we defended deep during the very tense closing stages of the game made I was on pins feeling like I was "having kittens" .
However when the referee eventually blew his full time whistle after seven pulsating minutes of injury time, my mood changed into a happy one of joy.