Why back-to-back wins would be so vital to Blues
Friday, 21st Feb 2014 10:47 by pompey-fans.com staff

Richie Barker believes the ability to win back-to-back games is what separates the men from the boys in League Two.

The Pompey boss says he is pleased with an improved mental toughness displayed by his players in recent weeks, but says that will count for little unless they can string good results together - including a spell of a couple of wins in a row.

That's something they have not done all season in the league but this weekend brings another chance to do that when they go to Scunthorpe trying to build on the 1-0 win over Wimbledon last weekend.

Barker told the Pompey website: 'We need to keep picking up points on a regular basis and it’s fair to say I’ve seen a different mentality in the players of late. At the moment we have picked up a little bit of momentum, but I’m aware that can easily come to a standstill.

'The fact we haven’t had back-to-back league wins this season probably accounts for the position we’re in. The top seven or so sides in the division are the ones that have put consistent runs together and have the mental desire to do that week in, week out.

'You talk about momentum, but Scunthorpe’s 15-match unbeaten sequence is real momentum, so we have to go there and really compete. We have to do that physically and mentally, as well as matching their desire and creating chances against a side that have conceded very few goals.'

Can Pompey win at Scunthorpe - or would a point be an acceptable return?