GRAHAM Rix certainly enjoyed his first game in charge at Fratton Park as the victory lifted Portsmouth six points clear of the drop zone.

"I was delighted, it is obviously a great result," said the former Arsenal ace who took over the reigns at Portsmouth from caretaker boss Steve Claridge this week.

"It gives everybody confidence but it is only a start. There is still a long way to go.

"I was pleased with the response of the players, I have only been with them for four or five days.

"But they did all I asked of them and I'm more delighted for the players.

"We had a few injuries and some good players missing but the lads who played deserve the credit.

"I told the players if they win the game, it's down to them and to enjoy it and if they lose, leave it to me to worry about.

"That is my job now.

"I introduced a few new things and they said after the game that they enjoyed it, so I must be doing something right!"

But Rix admitted, after being the number two at Chelsea to Gianluca Vialli, being in charge was different.

"I was worried until the referee blew the final whistle!

"I couldn't relax.

"It has been a traumatic time for the lads, they have had to learn a new system and there have been other changes but they've pulled through."