Defender Carl Johnston spoke to the local media after returning from a month-long injury and said it’s on the players to take responsibility on the pitch.
The young full-back was introduced to the action midway through the first half after Callum Dolan was forced off due to a knock early on, making this the first appearance for Johnston since the Boxing Day draw against Carlisle United.
Here’s what Carl said after the game:
On returning from injury…
“It’s been frustrating for me. I had a run in the team at the start of the season and then I had an ankle injury which kept me out for 6-8 weeks. I came back into the team for a few games and then picked up a niggle that kept me out for 3-4 weeks again. It’s been stop-start.
“It affects you mentally. As soon as you get the (injury) confirmation it’s about working as hard as possible and getting back as quickly as possible. The physios here are brilliant - they push you.
“I’m always working hard off the pitch and behind the scenes to be as fit as I can. I’m a versatile player, I think I’ve shown that in the past two and a half seasons. When the gaffer calls upon me I’m always ready to give 100%.”
On facing the top of the league…
“First half, they got the better of us, but the second half was better and it’s something to build on and we need to build on it fast. That led to us having periods of dominance and creating chances and, on another day, we could’ve got something from the game.
“Portsmouth are one of the top sides in the division and we’ve matched them there, but in this league, it’s fine margins and the goal is very avoidable from our point of view. The gaffer said go and get right after them - that was his message from the start.
“We have to take ownership ourselves as players to go and implement that from the start to the last whistle. Hopefully, our fortunes can change quickly and we can start getting points on the board.”
On picking up points moving forward…
“I do so an improvement in our performances, I certainly do and we do within that changing room, it’s only a matter of time. I really like the manager here and the style he’s trying to play.
“It is going to take time of course; it’s on us as players to go out on a Saturday and implement what the staff here want and go and get the points on the board.
“We’ve got 19 games left now and we’ve 19 cup finals and we need to get as many points on the board as we can from now until the end of the season.
“Wins and points build confidence, as soon as we start getting points on the board we’re going to go and give it everything we’ve got and hopefully we can get above that (relegation) line.”