Askey proud to match Pompey

MACCLESFIELD Town manager John Askey revealed he was extremely proud of his players despite their FA Cup defeat to Portsmouth.

The Silkmen were knocked out at the first round stage of the competition after suffering a 2-1 loss against the League Two promotion hopefuls at Fratton Park.

While he was frustrated with certain aspects of the game, Askey knew he couldn’t have asked for more much from his players.

“I thought we did really well and there was not a great deal between the two sides in the game,” he said.

“For the majority of the match I think we competed really well, and we had quite a lot of chances throughout the 90 minutes.

“On another day we could have got a result from the match and I think lot of teams will go to Portsmouth and find it really difficult.

“I was disappointed with the goals that we conceded as it was poor defending, but I spoke to their manager Paul Cook afterwards and he agreed that we were unlucky not to get something.

“You make your own luck in this sport though and we know that we have got to be better defensively in the future.”