We Conceded A Really Bad Goal Said Cowley

Portsmouth manager Danny Cowley was relieved to get through last night's FA Cup tie at Edgar Street but felt they were worthy winners in the end.

"Credit to Hereford, their players were an absolute credit to their club," Cowley told the Portsmouth News.

"Josh Gowling and his staff should be really proud because they played with such intensity, aggression and purpose in the first half – and it was really tough for us.

"We conceded a really bad goal, but credit to Reeco because he showed guts and character, he kept wanting the ball, and we were able to find the equaliser.

"In the second half we regrouped, made a few tweaks and were much better. I thought it was a good performance in the second half and we came out worthy winners in the end.

"We knew it was going to be a really tough evening, it’s a hard place to come, you have to be here to know how difficult it is.

"The atmosphere was so raw, they are on top of you, their team really responded to the atmosphere, the floodlights are low, it’s really dark, it’s difficult to pick up the ball, not easy at all.

"Although we responded well to the goal I was disappointed in the first half with our intensity, aggression and purpose, both in and out of possession. We didn’t play with any speed, our technical detail was poor, we weren’t able to find a rhythm.

"The hardest thing to do as a footballer if you haven’t played so well in the first half is to get your performance together and play well in the second half.

"Credit to the players because they were able to do that – and it ended up being a good performance."