I accepted some time ago that my dream of playing for Pompey, let alone scoring, wasn’t ever going to happen – Ben Close can now say he’s managed both.
The Blues fan was on target in the win at Blackpool on Saturday.
Close’s goal 10 minutes from time, which had put us ahead for a second time, looked as if it would be the winner at Bloomfield Road, but Blackpool soon levelled before Brett Pitman’s decider four minutes from time.
Having felt he was ‘getting close’ to opening his account for Pompey the delighted midfielder was finally able to do so and it’s not something he forget in a hurry.
He told portsmouthfc.co.uk: ‘It’s a great feeling. I’ve been getting close in the past few weeks, so I definitely feel that it’s been coming. Once I saw the ball rolling out to me on the edge of the box I just had to make sure that I got a good contact.’
Adding: ‘When the ball hit the back of the net I can’t really remember what I felt. It’s such a big thing for me and I’ll be watching the goal back a few times.’
In an ideal world this would have come at the Fratton End, something had ‘dreamt about’ but he’ll ‘take anything’ and ‘certainly won’t forget that any time soon’
With that maiden goal under his belt he now wants to ‘kick on’ too.
‘Since I’ve got my place in the side it’s been something that I’ve tried to add to my game. Now it’s time for me to kick on,’ said the midfielder.
On the game itself, which saw Pompey win for a first time in four League One games, Close admitted we hadn’t been at our best but was happy to take a win that was ground out.
Close said: ‘It probably wasn’t the best performance from us, but being able to grind out results when you’re not at your best is vital. We were having a bad run of form before this week, so to win in the Checkatrade Trophy and then again in the league is a really good sign for us.’
I do think this is a make or break season for Close at Fratton, if he doesn’t regularly make his mark I cannot see it happening. However, I do like the guy and think he’ll certainly be given a chance under Kenny Jackett – his first goal ‘should’ improve confidence too.
PLAY UP POMPEY
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2017-18 Prediction League – November
Southend (h) Saturday 18th November 2017 – click here.
Peterborough (a) Tuesday 21st November 2017 – click here.
Plymouth (h) Saturday 25th November 2017 – click here.
