Pompey 3 Barnet 1

Adam McGurk scores in the second half to give Pompey the lead against Barnet Picture: Joe Pepler

Paul Cook had spoken of freshening up a stale side in need of a match-winning jolt.

He had decreed Conor Chaplin would be granted a first league start of the season in recognition of his flourishing development.

Yet it was to be a system switch and the entrance of Adam Webster which would at last wake them from a Fratton Park slumber.

In rolling out Plan B at the interval against Barnet, Pompey’s boss masterminded a climb into third spot in League Two.

In truth, the 3-1 scoreline masks deficiencies still existing within a side which nonetheless has produced an encouraging start to the campaign.

However, League Two’s only undefeated team continues to march. The swagger may currently elude them but progress has been strong.

Following successive home draws against Morecambe and Accrington, yesterday represented an important fixture in the Pompey’s promotion aspirations.

Certainly, in the build-up Cook had labelled it as ‘defining’ as he eyed a potential 15 points gathered from the opening seven league matches.

His wish was granted, even if referee Darren England took centre stage with a second-half performance which left Bees head coach Martin Allen fuming.

Yet for Barnet’s vocal protests and jabbing of fingers, they were culpable for their own downfall as a result to favour the home side unfolded.

A half-time scoreline of 1-1 was fair on both sides, yet the unveiling of Plan B after the interval would achieve the decisive breakthrough for the Blues as the visitors were knocked out of their stride.

In doing so it demonstrated a flexibility in systems Cook had previously elected not to roll out during the course of the league season.

He has stuck faithfully by the 4-2-3-1 which yielded impressive progress with Chesterfield, citing the need for patience when evaluating its outcome.

In turn, the formation has contributed to a bright beginning at Pompey, centred on dominating possession, regardless of lining-up at home or away.

Yesterday, however, the rolling of an ankle for Gary Roberts prompted a half-time reshuffle and the introduction of three central defenders, with Webster coming off the bench.