The missing ingredient Blackpool loanee added to Portsmouth in Bristol Rovers victory

Dale grabbed his maiden Blues goal in a standout performance in the 3-1 victory over Bristol Rovers on Saturday.

The 23-year-old Blackpool loanee produced a display of energy which epitomised his side’s high-energy approach - and boss Danny Cowley felt was needed.

He said: ‘I thought Owen was fizzy, I really like his energy and his intensity.

‘We took Dane (Scarlett) out of the team, an 18-year-old who’d started three games.

‘We knew we’d miss his fizz at the top end of the pitch.

‘But I thought Owen gave us that, which was great.

‘And it was great to see him rewarded with his performance with a goal.

Dale’s performance contributed to a Pompey success which continues their unbeaten start to the season.

But Cowley underlined he still believes there’s a long way to go for his team to realise their potential.

He added: ‘We’re a team who are growing, but we’re a work in progress.

‘There’s a lot to like but I felt we didn’t get the value for our play in the first 80 minutes.

‘We stay humble, won’t get ahead of ourselves and keep working hard.’