Portsmouth manager Michael Appleton thought that his side's 2-0 defeat at Coventry City was a missed opportunity.
Speaking to the Press Association, he said; "It's a missed opportunity for us to close the gap on Bristol City and Coventry. Looking back, we probably didn't do enough to force the issue and that cost us.
"The first half was almost at testimonial pace which was a bit confusing. Maybe it had something to do with the change of weather and we lacked a bit of energy. In the circumstances that we find ourselves in as a team and as a football, it's important that we start games better.
"I don't want to use any excuses. There wasn't the spark that we got on Tuesday in the win against Birmingham.
"We've got two home games to come and they will be crucial if we want to stay in this division. I know one thing, we've got the best fans in the division if not the whole of the Football League. You only had to hear them today to know that."