Wilson relieved at cup win

Portsmouth defender Marc Wilson was impressed with his side’s battling qualities as they booked a place in the Carling Cup second round with a 2-1 win at Stevenage.

Pompey’s 18-year-old midfielder Nadir Ciftci gave them an eighth-minute lead but 11 minutes later the League Two new boys hit back through Darren Murphy.

A shock was on the cards until veteran midfielder Michael Brown restored Portsmouth’s lead in the 36th minute and after being relegated from the Premier League and going into administration, Wilson took some pleasure in the positive result at the Lamex Stadium.

Wilson told Sky Sports: “It’s been a hard game, they were always going to make it difficult for us but the lads hung in there and we got the one.

“It’s been a difficult pre-season for the lads, it wasn’t ideal having the trip to America but we as players have just got to get on with it.”

On Ciftci, he added: “It was a bonus for us, he is a good young player – he is still very young, only 18 years of age, I think he’s going to be a good player.”

Portsmouth manager Steve Cotterill added: “You have to give Stevenage credit - it’s a club on the up. We were on a hiding, we could have got knocked out tonight. This was a tough game to come tonight and get a result, I thought our boys were magnificent.

“We took our goals well and also defended pretty well when we were under pressure for a spell and that pleased me.”

Stevenage boss Graham Westley was proud of his side’s efforts, but disappointed they had not pulled off an upset.

He said: “I thought we gave a really good account of ourselves against a side that was in the top-flight of English football last season.

“It’s frustrating to not register a win yet but I am proud of all the lads for the way they performed, but if we play like that in the months ahead then I am sure we will be okay in League Two.

“It’s early days yet and the league is our bread and butter, but it would have been nice to have a little run in the cup.”