'We have to adapt' - Mousinho

Portsmouth boss John Mousinho says he was surprised by Plymouth Argyle's tactics to defend in a low block during their 2-1 defeat but has called on his side to adapt to different challenges.

Pompey lost for only the second time in their past 13 matches at Fratton Park as the Pilgrims claimed their first away win of the season to boost their survival hopes.

Mousinho's side had to try and break through an well-organised Plymouth defensive unit, which took up residence just outside their penalty area with the hosts enjoying almost exclusive ownership of the ball.

Pompey have averaged 44.4% possession all season (49% when at home) but recorded 80.5% in the loss on Wednesday night, which means they are far from clear of their own relegation concerns.

"We reviewed the game and were realistic about what we think we can do better," Mousinho told BBC Radio Solent ahead of the trip to Preston North End on Saturday.

"I watched us keep the ball for 80% of the time and make two mistakes that made it really difficult for us.

"The most annoying thing was having made the mistake just before half-time, we came out in the second half, we started really well and then gave them another goal.

"There were loads of passages of play where we could've shown us creating a load of pressure, maybe not the right amount of chances, although we did towards the end a bit more.

"But unfortunately at that point, it was just too much of a mountain to climb for us."

Mousinho said "never in a million years" did he think Pompey would have 80% possession in the game.

"If you look at the way the game panned out, Plymouth were much less aggressive than we thought they'd be," he added. "I thought we would dominate possession but I didn't think it would be 80%.

"I didn't think they would play as little as they did, they've not done that in the past few games and that's something we have to adapt to and take on board as coaching staff."