Portsmouth manager Kenny Jackett has praised the attitude of his Portsmouth players following their Leasing.com trophy win over League Two side Walsall.

Having made seven changes from their previous game, striker John Marquis gave Pompey the lead when he fired in from a few yards out after Christian Burgess nodded back across goal from a Gareth Evans corner.

The visitors then doubled their advantage when Steve Seddon put a delivery right on the head of substitute Ellis Harrison, and his diving header crashed into the net as Pompey moved a step closer to retaining the trophy that they won last season.

Caolan Lavery pulled one back from the penalty spot late on after Paul Downing had brought down Rory Holden, but Jackett's side held out to progress in the tie.

Speaking to the club website after the game, Jackett said: "We found a way to win against a Walsall side who pushed us hard, so we really had to dig in at times.

"It was always going to be a difficult tie – whatever side we put out – and I was delighted with our attitude after making seven changes.

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"Reeco Hackett-Fairchild came straight into the side after arriving the previous day and had a good hour, although he twisted his ankle slightly.

"Young Haji Mnoga also started and that’s his first game after being out injured with a foot problem for the whole of the season so far. I thought he played really well.

"We rested some people after a high number of matches because you don’t want too many injuries at this stage of the campaign.

"Some of the guys who have been on the fringes of the side helped us a lot and I was pleased with our application.

"All of our focus now goes on playing AFC Wimbledon in the league at the weekend – that’s a massive game for us."

It was Pompey’s fourth away game in succe

Reeco Hackett-Fairchild made his debut in the game having signed from Bromley the day before, while youngster Haji Mnoga made his first appearance of the season for Pompey having spent the first half of the season on the sidelines.

The Verdict

Seven changes for a cup game represented a bold move for Jackett as he seeked to progress in the competition, however the faith in his squad was repaid as they went through with a good result.

The Portsmouth manager will have been impressed with the way that his side played against a strong League Two outfit and the players on show will have proven that they have the right attitude to be relied upon when needed.