Richie Barker relieved over first Portsmouth victory

Richie Barker has expressed his relief at securing his first victory as Portsmouth boss following the 1-0 win over Dagenham & Redbridge this afternoon.

Romain Padovani proved the difference between the sides after the Frenchman bagged his first goal in English football on the stroke of half time.

Barker, who took charge of Pompey for the third time today, is hopeful that the win can spark an upturn in fortunes for the South Coast outfit.

He told reporters: "It's a relief to have got a win at long last, hopefully it will give the players confidence and enable us to move on from here.

"A win was just what the players needed, a real confidence boost for us all and one which we deserved.

"We played some good football in the first half and, in the last 20 minutes when Dagenham stepped up the pressure, showed a real desire to not allow our lead to slip away."

Portsmouth, who sit 17th in the League Two table, host Northampton Town at Fratton Park on Sunday.