Head coach allays fears after Close hobbles off

BEN CLOSE limped out of Pompey’s victory over Rochdale with cramp.

Head coach Danny Cowley allayed fears after the Blues midfielder was replaced by Charlie Daniels in the 87th minute yesterday afternoon.

Close, pictured below by Joe Pepler, continued his Fratton Park revival under Cowley having spent the majority of the season in the cold under former boss Kenny Jackett.

He started a second straight game after his man-of-the-match performance in the win at Shrewsbury last weekend.

Ryan Williams and Ronan Curtis were on target in the first half for Pompey against the Dale.

In the closing stages, Close was forced off after receiving treatment from physio Bobby Bacic.

However, the Southsea lad suffered cramp and should be available for the trip to Wigan on Easter Monday.

Cowley told BBC Radio Solent: ‘He just picked up a little bit of cramp.

‘You have to credit the players because I thought they played with huge energy and a huge amount of heart, which you always want.

‘In football, if you can outwork, outrun and outfight the opponent then you’ll normally be on the right side.’

■ Director Eric Eisner celebrated ‘another important three points’ after Pompey’s 2-1 victory over Rochdale.

Head coach Danny Cowley made it three wins out of three since taking over the Fratton Park hot seat from Kenny Jackett last month.

As a result, Pompey stay fifth in the League One table.

And the result delighted Eisner ahead of the Blues’ trip to struggling Wigan on Easter Monday.

Eisner wrote on Twitter: ‘Another important 3 points! Quick turnaround for another match Monday. Happy Easter everybody !!!!! #pup @Pompey

Chairman Michael Eisner tweeted: ‘9 points in the last 3 matches #Pompey.’

Yesterday’s other League One results: Accrington Stanley 0-0

Burton Albion, Crewe Alexandra

1-2 Hull City, Doncaster Rovers 0-1 Charlton Athletic, Fleetwood Town 0-1 Peterborough United, Ipswich Town 2-1 Bristol Rovers, Northampton Town 1-0 Shrewsbury Town, Plymouth Argyle 1-0 AFC Wimbledon, Sunderland 3-1 Oxford United, Swindon Town 0-2 Blackpool.