Lawrence shows forgiveness over goal heartbreak

After all, the errant official subsequently offered an apology.

But Pompey’s skipper won’t forget the goal that should have been.

At home, in the league against Watford, Lawrence netted with a 72nd minute header.

It was almost a year to the day since his previous Pompey goal.

Crucially, it also ended a run of 34 matches without netting.

No wonder Lawrence was elated as he hurtled towards the Fratton end in celebration.

Then the linesman intervened with the offside flag.

Not since January 2011 against Hull had the midfielder savoured that feeling.

Ultimately the decision proved to be incorrect.

And Lawrence hopes to truly get back to scoring ways against West Ham on Saturday.

He said: ‘The referee contacted the gaffer and apologised on behalf of the assistant linesman for the decision.

‘Cheers for that.

‘It wasn’t even close really, I was a good three yards on side.

‘It was just one of those things, an error from the linesman, but I won’t hold it against him.

‘Having said that, I didn’t think it was offside at the time.

‘I remember Joe (Mattock) hitting it and me running past someone as the ball was on its way.

‘You never want to argue offsides in case you are wrong. Nine times out of 10 you are wrong – but I wasn’t.

‘There was a lot of frustration released in that celebration.

‘The last 10-12 months have been hard for me, but now I feel much better.’

That disallowed header would have been Lawrence’s first goal from open play since October 2010.

On that occasion he netted in a 2-1 Fratton win over Nottingham Forest.

Later that season he scored penalties against QPR and Hull – but then failed to net in his next 34 matches.

It is in contrast to when the Republic of Ireland midfielder first arrived from Stoke, and registered seven goals in his first 13 appearances.