Portsmouth boss Danny Cowley – Charlton’s play-off rivals – has message ahead of Sunday’s decisive round of matches

Danny Cowley has urged his side to take their opportunity on Sunday and obtain a play-off spot.

Portsmouth’s win against AFC Wimbledon has put them in the driving seat in the chase for League One’s sixth place and they know a win against Accrington Stanley will extend their season.

If they don’t get a victory it will give Oxford United and Charlton Athletic a chance to snatch the final play-off spot.

Cowley told Portsmouth’s club website: “I’m really pleased it’s on our terms.

“It allows us to put all our focus and energy into us and our performance. It’s about the performance, if we get the performance right, then ultimately the outcome takes care of itself.

“We have some of the best attacking players in the league, there’s no doubt about that. Big games are for big players and we have big players and we’re looking to perform our best on Sunday.

“It’s been a great week for us, we’ve been able to have a full week on the training pitch, we’ve had three really good days and that’s helped. We’re a new group, we’re still at a development stage, we’re still trying to create connections. This week that we have had has been invaluable for us.

“We know what it means for the people of Portsmouth to reach the play-offs. With the amount that’s gone against us [this season] in terms of injuries, key suspensions. We wouldn’t have created this opportunity [without the players] so we have to give the players a lot of credit. Now what the best players and best teams do is when an opportunity presents itself they take it.

“For us this week has been about the process. It’s been brilliant to have had a full week’s training, it’s so vital for us. Our aim was always to try and peak for the big games and to play at our best in the big games.

“This is why we live, life for me is always about the living and these big games are so exciting for everyone associated with the club. We know how much this game means to us as people, we know how much it means for this football club and the people of Portsmouth. We need to make sure come 12 o’clock on Sunday, we show that in our performance.

“We’re going to play with energy, intensity and with fight and determination that allows us to get on the right side of what is a very good Accrington team. If we can do that then we will put ourselves in a really good position to win the game.”

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD