Opposition view: Jackett admits the scoreline 'didn't reflect' the game and Pompey had to 'work hard' for Cobblers victory

Portsmouth manager Kenny Jackett admitted his side were made to work much harder for their victory over Northampton than the final 4-0 scoreline suggested.

The Cobblers were the better team before half-time but Ryan Watson's glaring miss after 16 minutes was punished by John Marquis' instinctive finish on 38 minutes.

The former Town striker scored again moments into the second-half before Ronan Curtis and Marcus Harness made for a flattering final score.

“Our finishing was clinical but we had to work hard," admitted Jackett. "There were times when I don’t think the scoreline reflected the game.

“But I was very pleased with the players and we were able to earn a clean sheet, with my keeper making a really good save.

“It took us a while to break them down and there was a key time at the start of the second-half when we scored two quick goals to really put us in pole position.

“Goals are always big for your forward players and we’ll need all of them, while also having to give them service."

Marquis now has five goals in his last three matches.

Jackett added: “John is on a really positive run, but whether he scores or not, he always gives everything to the team, which is a good basis to work off.

“We’ve tried hard to give him more and more support and provide the opportunities for him to get those goals.

“Ronan also found a bit of form and once he scored, you could see the confidence. He worked well with Lee Brown down the left.”