VINTAGE COPP ROLLS BACK YEARS
Tom claims Pompey are relishing the buzz of being table-toppers
Hanson Naylor Evans
TOM NAYLOR says leaders Portsmouth are thriving in their lofty position rather than feeling the pressure of it.
The 27-year-old gave Pompey the lead against Wimbledon with his first goal for the club and skipper Gareth Evans doubled their advantage in the 31st minute.
James Hanson’s fine strike halved the deficit after the break, but Kenny Jackett’s men held on to make it 19 points from a possible 21 on their travels this season.
Naylor (above) said: “I don’t think there’s any pressure on us being top of the league, in fact we thrive off it.
“Everyone wants to be top and everyone wants to beat us. It’s our job to stay there.
“We lost last week but we’ve come back with a massively important win. It’s always nice to bounce back with three points. We’re bound to lose games, that’s just the way it is. But I’ve always said ‘don’t lose two on the bounce,’ and we didn’t.”
Naylor, who joined Portsmouth from Burton on a free transfer in the summer, added: “I’m over the moon with the first goal.
“I scored a few last season but I’m more of a defensive player. We’ve a lot of lads who can score but it’s always nice to chip in and hopefully I can chip in with more.
“I don’t think I’ve scored a goal from outside of the box but a goal’s a goal, isn’t it?”
This defeat was Wimbledon’s eighth of the season and fourth on the spin, piling more pressure on boss Neil Ardley.
But skipper Deji Oshilaja said: “We’re definitely behind the manager, that’s not in question.
“Everything we do, we do REF: ATT: AFC WIMBLEDON: PORTSMOUTH: it together. When we are playing well everyone is right behind him and when we’re not getting results we’re still behind the manager.
“It’s not a manager thing and it’s not a player thing, it’s a matter of us digging out results and grinding out results and getting the wins.
“He’s a good manager and he will be hurting as well because he cares. He’s a legend here and he’s a fan and for us to be putting in performances and getting results, that’s what he wants.
“It hurts him as much as it hurts all of us.
“We have to stick together and if we are going to get out of this slump we’re going to do it together.
“It’s disappointing. We can’t keep giving soft goals away and giving ourselves a mountain to climb and expect to get results.” ROCHDALE DONCASTER 2 3 JAMES COPPINGER insists there is life in the old dog yet after he turned on the style again for Doncaster.
The attacking midfielder (right) has been at the Keepmoat for 14 years and despite now being 37 rolled back time with three assists to help his side to victory at Rochdale.
He said: “When you get to a certain age people are very quick to write you off and, as long as I am enjoying my football and contributing, it is refreshing for me.
“I love playing football, it is my life, and I want to inspire other people. This group of players is special and amazing to be part of.
“It is a massive win for us and it was important that we bounced back after two league defeats against difficult opposition.”
Coppinger set up goals for Ali Crawford, Andy Butler and Jermaine Anderson. Ian Henderson, from the spot, and Kgosi Ntlhe scored for Dale.
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