We're top of the league for a reason. That is Paddy Lane's upbeat message from the Pompey dressing room as they look to get their title bid back on track at home to Leyton Orient this weekend.

The Blues have taken five points from five games since recovering from the 4-0 loss to Blackpool with a superb run of four December wins. They're still top but the pack have closed in - making three points in this one a must for John Mousinho's men.

Lane has been one of the team's star performers recently and says confidence remains high in the camp.

He told the Pompey website: 'We had a sticky patch over Christmas, then showed what we can do against Stevenage before a disappointing result last weekend. I don’t think it’s anything to panic about because we watched the performance against Cheltenham and it was sound.

'It was just the end product that was missing and if we can get that right, then the results will come again. So we’re not too worried and that pressure is something we thrive off – we’re looking forward to the weekend now.

'We’re top of the league for a reason, even if that gap has shortened, and I’ve got full confidence that we’ll recapture the form that has got us here. Every game is tough and this one will be no different. We know that Orient will be up for it, but so will we.'

Lane also told the club media how much he was enjoying his time at Pompey - with the first anniversary of his move from Fleetwood approaching.

'I’ve been open about how much I love it down here and it’s been a good season for me after ending the last one strongly,' he said. 'It’s hard not to love it when you’ve got a packed Fratton Park for every game and the fans have been as good as they are. I’ve developed as a player and a person. The staff have brought me on so much and hopefully that will continue.'

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