Blues boss dismayed over ‘soft’ showing

DANNY COWLEY slammed Pompey’s ‘soft’ defending as their season ended in disappointment at Sheffield Wednesday.

And Cowley believes the level of performance from the Owls served as a warning over the level his team need to aspire to next season.

TheBluesgaveupanearly lead as they suffered a 4-1 thumping at Hillsborough on Saturday, as Darren Moore’s men cemented a League One play-off place.

Pompey’s defending was uncharacteristically shoddy, withthelevelswhichhave underpinned their fine end to the season nowhere to be seen.

AndCowley, right, was frustrated by what he saw from his team – particularly formuchof the first half.

TheBlues’ boss said: ‘It was disappointing from us.

‘It was a soft performance against the ball and we conceded three goals from set-pieces.

‘We had a really good way into the game.

‘We had the lead and really goodcontrolinthegame.

‘Once they got their first goal we found it difficult – especially up to half time.

‘I thought in the second half we played quite well and had a number of chances, but weren’t clinical and ruthless enough to take them.

‘Then we conceded the fourthgoalandIthoughtthat was unacceptable and people weren’t doing their jobs.’

After George Hirst’s fourth-minute goal, Pompey increasingly lost their way before Lee Gregory levelled in the 17th minute.

Fromthereitwasone-way traffic as Saido Berahino and Jordan Storey put the home side in control at the interval.

Pompey responded well after the break with both Aiden O’Brien and Sean Raggett hitting the woodwork, but former Blues loaneeGeorgeByersgavethe scoreline an emphatic feel with a fourth Wednesday goal four minutes from time.

Cowley added: ‘Sheffield Wednesday are a top team with athleticism, pace and power,andhaveplayerswho should never, ever be playing in League One.

‘In terms of pace and power, they are the best in the division. Let’s be fair to them, once they got a head of steam they made it difficult.’