John Sheridan wants an end to sloppy goals as Notts face Portsmouth

John Sheridan has reiterated the importance of keeping tight at the back as Notts County prepare to visit Portsmouth, a team deemed by the boss to be the best in League Two.

The Magpies go into the Fratton Park game one point off the playoffs, but there has been much frustration due to poor goals conceded by the squad in the last few games.

"The players understand, and I do as the manager, that we have to try to work harder to keep clean sheets," Sheridan told the assembled media at his weekly press conference.

"The number of goals we have conceded isn't what I would like it to be. We can't keep doing it.

"Their confidence isn't down, but they know they can do a lot better.

"We've worked on it this week because I do feel that we have goals in us so if you keep clean sheets then you have a good chance of winning.

"Even the goal against Crewe was criminal. All goals you concede, when you look back at them, you can prevent them.

"It's just a question of organising a bit quicker, communicating and seeing things before they happen.

"But it's a lot harder when you are playing and out there. It's a lot easier when you are watching.

"When things are happening quick you've got to stay focused and keep your mind switched on and work harder to keep the ball out of the net.

"It just doesn't happen to us though. I watched Huddersfield the other night and they conceded three goals from crosses and they are top of the Championship.

"I just want us to be a good team, to be strong, and I don't want to concede sloppy goals. We are all right when we are set-up and not many people play through us."

Sheridan also described Pompey as the best team in the division, but insists that anybody can get a result on their day and shoot up the table.

"Portsmouth are probably the best team in the league with the players they have got," he said.

"Luton are going strong too. Plymouth are top of the league but I watched the DVD of them against Portsmouth who battered them, but they got a draw.

"A couple of wins gets you right in the mix and while I expected us to be higher, it's a very evenly matched league. It's about getting a run together.

"I just concentrate on ourselves and there's no better place to bounce back than Portsmouth and we will go there with the belief we can get back to winning ways."

Notts will be forced to take the field on Saturday without Jon Stead, who has been ruled out due to a suspected ankle injury and will need a scan.

"Jon is a bit sore and won't be okay," said Sheridan. "We are waiting for a scan and he is with the physio at the moment.

"It's unfortunate because he has a lot of bruising. I don't try to say how long he is going to be out or when he is going to be back – I just wait for the scan.

"He is in good hands with the physio, John (Wilson). We will wait for the scan to come back and we will have a better idea of how long he will be out for."

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