Portsmouth manager Michael Appleton has described his side's 2-0 win over Hull City as their best performance under his stewardship and he believes that the club can avoid relegation this season.

First-half goals from Chris Maguire and Joel Ward earned Pompey the win that lifted them off the bottom of the Championship table and to within three points of safety despite their 10 point deduction.

Appleton said: "I was delighted. It was total dominance from minute one to 95.

"It was the best performance since I have been in charge by an absolute mile. They had one shot on goal and I lost count of the number of chances we had.

"I have never not believed. There are going to be lots of twists and turns and ups and downs in the next seven games. Who knows how many points we will need to stay up?"

The south coast team have now taken seven points from their last three home games.