Pompey boss makes big Stewart claim in verdict on Cats’ defeat

Danny Cowley has labelled Ross Stewart as the best forward in League One in his verdict on Portsmouth's narrow defeat to Sunderland.

Cowley's side controlled the opening half an hour, but fell behind when Hayden Carter was caught in possession near his own goal, Elliot Embleton scoring a good finish.

Cowley was frustrated his side did not learn from Sunderland’s struggles in trying to play out from the back early on, on what was again a very poor Stadium of Light pitch.

He admitted his side had produced a poor response in the second half, not mustering a shot until the introduction of Michael Jacobs and George Hirst from the bench.

But he felt, given the conditions and the turf, the first goal was always going to be crucial and was left frustrated that a number of early chances didn't lead to his side landing it.

Cowley said: “In the first 30 minutes, there was a lot to like in our performance. I thought we had good control and tempo to us, created some chances. We can’t play that well and not score the first goal.

“Then, we conceded. Just poor game management from us really. They had a free-kick, we should learn really. It is a difficult pitch, probably a pitch not permitting of such a wonderful stadium. Sunderland had some problems early in the game in terms of trying to build in the first line.

“We should have learned from their mistakes. We didn’t, lost it and they were clinical. I don’t know how many turnovers we had in that first half-an-hour, but it was an awful lot, we didn’t take our chances.

“Sunderland are one of the top teams in this division, if not the best. They found it difficult themselves and we won the ball back off them so many times. The game is decided on that goal.”

Cowley praised the pressing of Sunderland’s front three and said it showed Stewart, who produced a smart assist for Embleton's goal, to be the best in League One.

"You do have to respect the pressure Sunderland put you under from the front," Cowley said. “Everyone talks about Stewart's goals, but the way he defends from the front is the reason why for me is the best forward in the division.”