Paul Cook lauds '˜top-class' Pompey

In a sizzling first-half display, the visitors surged into a three-goal lead after registering through Kyle Bennett, a Matty Pearson own goal and Michael Doyle.

A goal seven minutes before full-time struck by Shay McCartan gave John Coleman’s side a consolation at the Crown Ground.

But it was not to deny Pompey as they secured a 3-1 success to move to fourth in the table – and six points off second spot in League Two.

Cook said: ‘As a Portsmouth fan tonight I think you would be delighted with your team’s performance.

‘I am quite open in the press when I speak about it, I am not trying to be clever, and I wanted us to find our identity.

‘That was our identity in the first-half.

‘The second-half got a bit scrappy, it was bitty, but that first-half performance was as good as anything I have seen from a team for a long time.

‘Our boys were top-class, they were off the front foot, first to every ball, we were just good and I am delighted for everyone.’