John Mousinho: Portsmouth boss pleased with 'braveness' against Bolton
- Published
Conor Shaughnessy opened the scoring for the hosts in the 45th minute
Portsmouth boss John Mousinho says he was pleased with his side's "level of braveness off the ball" in their 2-0 victory over promotion rivals Bolton Wanderers on Monday.
Pompey went six points clear of second-placed Wanderers thanks to goals from Conor Shaughnessy and Kusini Yengi.
Prior to the game Bolton had not lost since 7 October, after a run of 11 matches unbeaten in all competitions.
"To do that to one of the league's best sides is very pleasing," said Mousinho.
He told BBC Radio Solent: "It was excellent. It was a really well contested game in the first half, both sides were unlucky not to have scored. We had the better of the chances, although Dion Charles missed from a yard out which is very unlike him.
"We created plenty and were a constant threat going the other way in the second half, I can't remember Will [Norris] having to do anything. We were comfortable."
Off-the-ball energy 'the best I've seen'
Wanderers - who have a game in hand on Portsmouth - hadn't conceded a league goal since 24 October before their trip to Fratton Park, scoring 12 goals during the same period.
Portsmouth put the visitors under pressure for the majority of the game, especially in the second half, but it was Pompey's work off the ball that impressed their head coach.
"The second half was one of the best I've seen in terms of off the ball and out of possession. We pressed high and left Conor [Shaughnessy] and Sean [Raggett] two v two at the back, that's something they have got to deal with. This is the way we want to play.
"Sides like Bolton, if you allow them to play, if you give them time and space, they will hurt you and we didn't want to do that.
"To see that level of aggression [from us], to see that level of braveness off the ball was really pleasing."
In an attacking sense, Yengi caught the eye on his second consecutive start in place of Pompey top scorer Colby Bishop.
The Australia forward netted an 88th-minute goal to seal the victory.
"It was an unbelievable battle [between Yengi and Ricardo Santos], it was great to watch, apart from the times where I thought he's got the wrong side of Santos and he's pulled him back, it's one of those things.
"He [Santos] is one of the best centre-halves in the league, so for Kusini to do that in his second league start for us, in the league at home, was a pleasure to watch. He fully deserved his goal."
Kusini Yengi netted his third league goal for the club