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Matt Clarke scored his first goal for Portsmouth in what could be his final appearance for the club - his current loan deal from Ipswich Town expires in January

Loanees Matt Clarke and Marc McNulty helped Portsmouth ease to victory over Crawley and maintain their challenge for promotion from League Two.

Clarke opened the scoring with a near-post header from Ben Davies' corner.

McNulty doubled Pompey's advantage when he powerfully rifled in Enda Stevens' low cross.

Gwion Edwards struck the bar from a free-kick for the Red Devils, but Gary Roberts added a third on the counter to put the result beyond any doubt.

Portsmouth manager Paul Cook told BBC Radio Solent:

"We got ourselves into a gear which felt good, we had numerous chances and the game probably could have been over at half time.

"The lads have done smashing over Christmas, they have worked ever so hard.

"We probably haven't got the rewards that we thought we could, after winning at Northampton, beating Crawley. The two games sandwiched in between have been disappointing."