Portsmouth captain Marlon Pack insists his side cannot dwell on their latest Championship disappointment following Saturday’s home defeat to Bristol City. The Robins secured all three points at Fratton Park through Anis Mehmeti’s first-half header.
The setback came during a sluggish opening period from the hosts, who showed significant improvement after the interval but failed to find an equaliser.
Pack acknowledges the Blues must start matches with greater intensity to achieve better outcomes in the Championship.
The experienced midfielder reflected: “We started to settle down a bit after that opening 25-minute spell when things just weren’t quite working for us.
“But the issue was that we trailing by that point and despite a lot of probing from us, especially in the second half, we couldn’t find a goal.
“There was a lot of endeavour on show from us and plenty of moments, with one shot cleared off the line and Colby having a chance late on.
“It’s just not quite going for us, although we’re not feeling sorry for ourselves because we have to start games better than that.”
The visitors arrived well-prepared for Pompey’s approach and held the advantage, leaving the home side searching for solutions throughout the contest.
Pack added: “Bristol City were prepared for what we were going to do and just had the edge, so it was up to us to figure out the solutions.
“The pleasing thing was that we’d had a decent spell just before the break and only came in one goal down.
“It gave us an opportunity and if that one at the start of the second half had crossed the line, then it might have been different.
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“We’re just not doing quite enough at the moment and perhaps trying too hard to make things happen, which means we’re making the wrong decisions.”
The dressing room atmosphere was understandably sombre following the final whistle, but Pack emphasised the need for a swift response.
“It’s so disappointing and the dressing room was dejected afterwards, but we have to lick our wounds and pick ourselves up quickly,” he said.
“Now we have to prepare to go to Charlton at what will be the start of another three-game week and look to turn things around.”
