Pompey happy to hold Robins in final warm-up
Sunday, 31st Jul 2016 12:37 by pompey-fans.com staff

Pompey appear ready for the season proper after a solid performance earned a 0-0 draw in their final friendly at Bristol City.

The Blues could have nicked a win at Ashton Gate but came away happy with another good work-out for a line-up that could be close to the one who start in the League Two opener againat Carlisle next Saturday.

Carl Baker looked lively going forward and Milan Lalkovic set up a couple of decent chances from the wing.

David Forde looked a safe pair of hands on his Blues debut in goal.

An injury to Jack Whatmough was a blow - the extent of it is not yet clear. He was replaced by Tom Davies after going down on 34 minutes.

Michael Smith and Gary Robert were among those to chance their arm for Pompey after the break but the Blues could not find a way through - though nor could the Robins at the other end.

Manager Paul Cook told The News afterwards: 'Our lads acquitted themselves very well, probably disappointed we never nicked a goal or two, but I like to think we carry that threat.

'To come away from a team like Bristol City and genuinely try to play the football we do has a bravery about it which should stand us in good stead for the season and was great to see.'

Pompey (4-2-3-1): Forde (Bass 85); Talbot (Oxlade-Chamberlain 87), Whatmough (T.Davies 34), Burgess, Stevens (Naismith 87); Rose (Close 83), Doyle (c); Baker (Tollitt 83), Roberts (Main 83), Lalkovic (Bennett 68); Smith (Chaplin 68) Subs not used: May, Linganzi, Evans, Hunt

Referee: Kevin Friend

Attendance: 5,317 (721 Pompey fans)