Kal Naismith's emotional tribute after maiden Pompey goal

Kal Naismith signals skywards after netting his first goal for Pompey. Picture: Joe Pepler

The substitute netted late on as Paul Cook’s side sealed a 2-0 triumph at Stevenage on Saturday.

It was the first time the winger had scored since grabbing the winner for Accrington against Plymouth Argyle in September 2014.

Naismith’s emotional celebration involved signalling skywards in tribute to Ashley Dickson.

The 22-year-old died in October 2014 following an epileptic seizure.

And Naismith used his scoring feat to pay tribute to his former childhood sweetheart.

He said: ‘That was for my late girlfriend, who passed away.

‘I had not scored for a long time since she passed and it was in memory of her.

‘It was a spur of a moment thing, everyone is different in how they celebrate a goal, they do their own thing. That was mine.

‘It also a relief to get a goal, it had been a long time.

‘Not since against Plymouth almost 18 months ago had I scored, such a long time.

‘Coming through youth teams at Rangers I had a good goal-scoring record and at Accrington scored 14 times in 54 league starts.

‘But going so long without a goal is tough and you do think about it.

‘I should have definitely scored more than I have done, so am delighted to get a goal.

‘As soon as I saw Benno I set off and made a run, I knew he was going to place a pass so just had to concentrate on my touch and try to hit the target.

‘Thankfully it was on my left foot. If it was on my right, I can’t predict where it will end up!

‘But the most important thing was the lads getting three points, it was a massive result for us and takes us to Accrington with momentum for another big match.’

The win was Pompey’s first victory on their travels since defeating Northampton Town in December – ending a run of six away matches without success.

Marc McNulty slotted home Gary Roberts’ pass in the 22nd minute for his 10th goal of the season.

Then Naismith, on for Roberts, doubled the Blues’ advantage on 82 minutes.

The result kept Cook’s men in fifth spot with 12 matches remaining.

However, they have now cut the gap between the automatic spots to nine points.

Naismith added: ‘I thought the lads were excellent in the first-half and played some good football. Stevenage are a good side and they were tough conditions.

‘In the second half, they came into it a bit more but we always looked dangerous and had chances, while defended brilliantly.

‘It was a good day – and also a clean sheet for Ryan (Fulton). He has been absolutely excellent since he came in and all the lads were delighted for him.’