Mark Robins was full of praise for his Stoke City side after an own goal was enough for the Potters to defeat Portsmouth 1-0 at Fratton Park and move into 5th place in the Championship.
A fine start to the season
The Potters have made a fine start to the season, as they currently occupy a playoff place in the midst of a crowded Championship table. However, having been frustratingly defeated by Millwall in midweek, Stoke were desperate to recover from that result and return to winning ways as quickly as possible.
Robins reflects on the response
In an interview given to the media after the match, Robins expressed that he was proud of the way his side rebounded from that setback to earn a first away win in two months.
"I think we've shown great character, not little quality, but you see the game there and see what happens in a three-game week when you've had the mileage and everything else, and both teams are giving the ball away needlessly, cheaply.
"We were really good first half. We would have been good value for two goals to the good. We didn't take them, and it gives them encouragement. They're still in the game, and then they put us under a bit of pressure. It can make you doubt yourself.
"We made some strange decisions when we let the ball bounce, or we were trying to block for somebody else to come and head, but we ended up getting away with things, and the goalkeeper made a brilliant save - but I can only remember him making one brilliant save. That was the chance they had really to equalise.
"But the word is right, character. The character we showed after Tuesday backed by a full away end. I'm delighted with the backing and support we had, and we've been able to give them a good feeling. It's really important on the back of what they've done, the commitment they've shown."
