Pompey v Accrington: Cook rues listless Blues

The Pompey boss rued the lack of creativity which led to the 0-0 draw at Fratton Park on Saturday.

Cook refused to criticise the players who failed to open up the opposition as the Blues were held to a second home draw on the bounce.

He gave an honest assessment of his side, however, as he acknowledged they came up short of the level needed to earn a win they were expected to pick up.

Pompey were matched in terms of chances created and possession by John Coleman’s side and managed just three shots on target.

The result keeps up the unbeaten start in the league this season for Cook’s men.

But the Scouser refused to see that as a plus point in a game that had no redeeming qualities for his side.

Cook said: ‘We were disappointing.

‘We sent our fans home asleep. They were in a coma.

‘We didn’t create anything like the chances we needed to be able to say we deserved to win the game.

‘We were too open trying to win the games.

‘It’s a disappointing day.

‘They were comfortable and there were no positives.

‘It wasn’t our day. It was painful at times.

‘The fans stayed with us, though, when it wasn’t our day.

‘It was a poor performance. There hasn’t been too many of those.

‘The fans know you don’t play well every week. Football’s a tough industry.

‘But we weren’t good enough.’

Cook was clear about the areas in which Pompey came up short in their performance.

He knows the men tasked with opening up Accrington failed to reach the levels required.

But the Blues boss refused to round on those players and highlighted they have largely stepped up when required so far this season.

He is now looking to keep things on an even keel this week as Pompey look to return to winning ways against Barnet.

Cook said: ‘Our flair players weren’t at it in any way, shape or form. That was what the issue was.

‘But, if you look at what they’ve done for us so far this season, they’ve been first class.

‘It’s the hardest job being a creative player

‘It’s the hardest job creating chances – that’s why people get paid so much for it at the top level.

‘But you don’t want continuous change. Continuous change leads to continuous problems.

‘Our job is to create but players go through spells when they do and don’t play well.

‘I’ve got great belief in all the players at this club.

‘Because we have a bad day at the office, do we desert them? Not a chance.’