Andy Awford: Portsmouth boss concerned by away form

Pompey have won 13 of their 29 matches since Awford took charge, losing eight

Portsmouth manager Andy Awford says their dismal away form is creating added pressure on the players.

Pompey, who visit Aldershot in an FA Cup replay on Wednesday, have not won away in seven games and have only done so once in the league all season.

"Everyone is feeling the pressure," Awford told BBC Radio Solent.

"The pressure we feel is what we put on ourselves, we are having to win every game at Fratton Park because the away form has not been very good."

He continued: "Every game here is a massive game because we want to be in the top half of the league and knocking on the door of the play-offs and unfortunately we can't because of the away form."

The magic of the Cup
Portsmouth have not won an FA Cup match since 2010, the year they were beaten by Chelsea in the final.

Pompey will be the away side against Aldershot, having been held 2-2 at home, but 42-year-old Awford believes they have the quality to see off their Conference opponents.

"It's local. When you play Southampton there is that added pressure and when you play Aldershot it is local so there is that bit more pressure. It's also the FA Cup. The magic of the cup, the pressure of that and the financial rewards of getting through to the next round.

"They are a good side, only one league below us. They are a good club, with a good manager and good players, but I do think we let them off the hook (in the first game).

"We are expecting another tough game but I am confident we can win it," he said.

Awford admitted he was at a loss to explain their poor away form, but it must improve urgently if they are to rescue their season.

"We've looked at absolutely everything, it's basic and we have to deliver like we do at home," he added.

"The home form is very good. Away from home, the plain facts are we don't score enough goals and we don't win enough games and that has to change if we are to have a better season. We have to find a way and we will, and that must start on Wednesday."