Source: PA
Cotterill: Victory was deserved
Portsmouth boss Steve Cotterill insisted his team were good value for their 1-0 home win over Crystal Palace.
Former England striker David Nugent netted the only goal of the game in the 65th minute, his 10th strike of the season to secure his team's third consecutive league victory and second 1-0 win in a row.
Cotterill said: "It was a good win. It was as comprehensive a 1-0 as you can get. I thought we were very good and especially in the first half. But we needed to make sure we cut them and scored the goal, and not just bruise them to death.
"We were pleased when the goal came, and but for some good defending from their lads, it could have been three or four. I thought we played well and thoroughly deserved the three points.
"They're a difficult team and have been on a good run. I think (Palace boss) Dougie Freedman has done a great job. He has settled them down, they look like they have a good spirit among them and I wouldn't see them going down for sure."
On Manchester loanee Ritchie De Let's performance, he added: "There have been a couple of games when he hasn't quite showed that energy and that sort of tempo. But his combination work with David (Cotterill) was very good."
