Pompey boss hails defensive display to shut out Luton

Pompey defender Matt Clarke brings the ball out of defence Picture: Andrew Fosker

Kenny Jackett hailed Pompey's defensive performance after the Blues kickedÂ off their League One campaign with victory.

Jamal Lowe's 16th-minute strike settled today's Fratton Park encounter with Luton in front a bumper crowd.

Yet the dogged hostsÂ were made to cling on to secure that 1-0 result, as the visitors applied constant pressure, striking both the post and the bar.

With Matt Clarke and Jack Whatmough superb in defence, it was a magnificent rearguard action.

And Jackett was delighted with his team's resilience.

He said: '˜I thought we defended very well '“Â we needed to.

'˜We showed fantastic commitment and desire to make sure we earned something. They are qualities you need throughout the season and they were there,

'˜We showed great spirit, great heart, great determination and defended very, very well.

'˜In terms of ball retention, we didn't do enough and I thought it resulted in Luton, after the first 20 minutes, going wave after wave after us and our first pass out of defence and general ball retention wasn't really there.

'˜We didn't do enough in possession to create enough chances that we needed as the home side.

'˜A lot of positives there in terms of heart, defending and commitment, which are qualities good sides possess '“Â Â but we want to build on that, though.'