Football Struber deserves credit for fast start at Pompey - Borges

GERHARD Struber was the driving force behind Bristol City’s fast start in their win over Portsmouth, according to Neto Borges, with the Brazilian revealing the Robins boss called on the players to hit the ground running after their disappointing defeat at Wrexham.

- DanCARTER [e-mail]

Bristol City's Neto Borges puts Portsmouth's Callum Lang under pressure at Fratton Park last Saturday

(SmartFrame/Pro Sport Images)

City bounced back from their underwhelming evening in North Wales in an impressive fashion as they beat Pompey 1-0 at Fratton Park on Saturday lunchtime. Anis Mehmeti’ sixth goal of the season early in the first half proved to be enough to claim all three points.

Having come close to an opener through both Mehmeti and Scott Twine, the Albanian winger headed the Robins into the lead after 17 minutes. In truth, the 24-year-old was left with a simple finish as he was picked out well by Borges’ curling cross.

The lead was the least the Robins deserved for their electric start on the south coast. From the first whistle, Struber's squad pinned Pompey deep in their own half in a manner that was the opposite of what had happened at Wrexham a matter of days prior.

While it was the players who took the bulk of the plaudits, Borges was keen to credit his head coach for the role he played.

“Very, very happy for the performance, for the three points) the Brazilian said in his post-match press conference. “We know here is a tough place to come and win, so with the result, I'm very, very happy.