Kenny Jackett demands 'proactive' defending from Portsmouth troops

Neil Allen
By Neil Allen
Published 1st Nov 2019, 06:00 BST
Updated 1st Nov 2019, 06:05 BST
Kenny Jackett has ordered his Pompey side to be 'proactive' in their fixture with Oxford United. Picture: Graham Hunt/ProSportsImagesKenny Jackett has ordered his Pompey side to be 'proactive' in their fixture with Oxford United. Picture: Graham Hunt/ProSportsImages
Kenny Jackett has ordered his Pompey side to be 'proactive' in their fixture with Oxford United. Picture: Graham Hunt/ProSportsImages
The importance of remaining ‘proactive’ has been drilled into Pompey’s players.

And Kenny Jackett is banking on the tactical lesson finally eradicating the Blues’ late-match woes.

Pompey have been deprived of three points in their past two away fixtures following stoppage-time goals.

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Added to an 83rd-minute penalty conceded at Wycombe and the Coventry debacle, it's a vulnerability threatening to destroy promotion aspirations.

The solution, according to Jackett, lies in retaining a proactive attitude, refusing to sit deep, stopping the gifting of cheap free-kicks.

SEE ALSO: Pompey turn to Nottingham Forest legend Stuart Pearce once again

Fulfilment could signify an improved points haul.

Jackett said: ‘We have to make sure we are proactive in our defending.

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‘The best form of defending is interception, pressing, stepping up and making sure we block crosses. If we can, try to hold a brave line, a high line, and generally be proactiv