Ben Close wants his teammates to keep their heads up as they bid to put a disappointing defeat to Doncaster behind them when they go to Gillingham on Tuesday.

The midfielder was back in the starting line-up but couldn't inspire the Blues to success as a late Reece James finish condemned them to their second home defeat of the season.

Close told the Pompey website: 'It was frustrating and obviously not what we wanted. You don’t want to be losing any game, but especially at home. Doncaster defended solidly, but we didn’t create enough chances and that’s something we have to improve.

'At times we played well and although that’s not enough, we’re still early in the season and there’s a big week ahead. You can’t get too down about it and have to learn from those matches when you don’t quite get it right.

'We’ll also take forward the positives, keep our heads up and look to put it right. We have to stay confident. There’s a chance to get over it quite quickly with two big away games approaching in the week ahead.'

After the trip to Kent, Pompey go to Sunderland next Saturday.

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