Hughes: Pompey Dictated The Game

Last updated : 21 August 2006 By Sam
"Maybe it will be a good thing. It could be a wake-up call that will hopefully spark us into life," the Rovers boss said after the 3-0 defeat.

"We started poorly and never got the ball and allowed ourselves to be dictated all over the park.

"In the second half we came out and caused them a few problems but then conceded another poor goal.

"We lost Lucas Neill and from that point on it was going to be a difficult day for us.

"Under the letter of the law it was a yellow card and a sending-off, but I thought the ref could have given him a bit of leeway because fans want to see eleven players on the pitch.

"At this level you've got to be on the front foot and be dynamic and we didn't do that today."