Fleetwood Town's interim head coach sees positives in Portsmouth defeat

John Marquis’ first goal for two months condemned the Cod Army to defeat from Wiles’ first league game in charge.

Nevertheless, the hosts had created enough good goalscoring chances to have avoided suffering a second consecutive defeat.

“It’s disappointing not to have come away with anything from the game,” admitted Wiles.

“The way we started the game impressed me.

“The chances we created in the first half, possibly we could have done better with them.

“In terms of the way we played, I’m pleased.

“All points are huge at this level, though, and though I am disappointed, there were a lot of plusses to take from the game and the overall performance.”

Striker Paddy Madden rifled wide and midfielder Callum Camps forced Pompey keeper Craig MacGillivray to parry his powerful drive.

Everton loan defender Callum Connolly headed agonisingly wide for the hosts, while Rotherham United loan striker Kyle Vassell was also off target with two good goalscoring opportunities on his debut for the club.

At the other end, Fleetwood keeper Joe Hilton thwarted Michael Jacobs with a smart save and Marquis blazed over as the home side rode their luck.

Marquis’ winner, his 12th goal of the season, is one which Wiles believes his players can learn from.

“We knew the threat Marquis presents, we’d spoken about him in the run-up to the game,” reflected Wiles.

“That was pretty much the only chance he had in the first half and he’s buried it.

“It’s one we can learn from and also one we can move on from.

“It is pleasing that we limited them to that one chance in the first half, but obviously it was buried and then it was down to us to try and get back in the game.

“We were aggressive with our pressing as we looked for an equaliser.

“That was the message at the end of the game.

“We just have to make sure that when we are on top and we are pushing on in a game, we have to build on that momentum.

“It’s also vital that we get that quality into the box where it counts.

“At certain points in a game, when you’re on top, it’s vital you take those chances.

“We had a couple of good chances after Portsmouth scored that we could have done better with.

“That would have put the game at 1-1 and then they’d have to come out and chase the game.

“Then that would have given the impetus to go on and win the game. But unfortunately, that didn’t happen.

“We’ve got to be clinical when we create that little bit of a spark.”

Wiles handed Vassell his first start since joining from the Millers – and the boss was delighted with what he saw.

“I’m really pleased with him,” said Wiles. “I really like the way he can mix his game up.

“He’s got pace and power to bring others into play. He had a couple of good chances as well, so we’re really pleased he’s here. It was a really pleasing performance from him.”

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