Scott Hiley has warned his teammates they need to start winning the pressure matches if they are to make promotion this season.

The Pompey skipper was disappointed with his side's 2-1 defeat against Norwich last week and knows that it is vital they beat lowly Crewe at Fratton Park tomorrow.

He said: "I thought we totally dominated the second half against Norwich but we didn't put it into goals.

"Football has a habit of turning around and kicking you in teeth and it was a little bit of a bitter blow but we have to pick ourselves up.

"We could have gone into the top six had we beaten Norwich but it seems that every time we get a chance we don't seem to get in there.

"We now have a tough game against Crewe and we have to be a little bit careful because we are expected to win but they are the sort of games that trip us up.

"We have got to treat every game the same and make sure that we don't get complacent or take any game lightly. We can't afford to because if we do then we will lose.

"Hopefully we can pull out the results over the Christmas and New Year period and push for the play-offs."

However unlucky Pompey were to lose to the Canaries in a thrilling match, they have also been fortunate to pick up points this season when they haven't played particularly well.

Defender Carl Tiler, whose own goal was the difference between the two teams, agreed. "We have got a few fortunate results in the past," he said.

"Those were games where we have come out on top when teams have played quite well against us but there was a real reversal against Norwich where we played well and dominated and looked comfortable across the park but ended up losing."

Pompey boss Graham Rix added: "We definitely deserved something out of the Norwich game. Sometimes it goes for you and sometimes it doesn't.

"Against Nottingham Forest we rode our luck but on Sunday we played very well and got nothing out of the game."

That makes tomorrow's match all the more vital and it is one Portsmouth really should win.

Crewe come into the game high on confidence after defeating Stockport 1-0 at Edgley Park, a result which keeps them fifth from bottom of the First Division.

Rix may be able to welcome back Robert Prosinecki if his back allows while Livoy Primus is still out.

Harry Redknapp is currently working on brining Fulham defender and former Fratton Park star Kit Symons back to club but Crystal Palace have joined the race for the centre-half's signature.