The past few days have seen Pompey win two games in contrasting styles.
They blew Oxford away on home soil at the weekend, carving open numerous chances and taking plenty of them.
But a 2-1 midweek victory over Bristol Rovers required just as much fighting spirt as quality on the ball.
And Craig MacGillivray was delighted that the Blues stood up to the test to ensure a best start to the league season since 1980.
He said: “You can often take more from games like that than when you just run straight over teams and win comfortably.
“This result was all about grit, determination and character, which are qualities you need if you’re going to do well.
“The lads are buzzing for obvious reasons. We’ve won four games on the bounce and it’s a great feeling.
"This result was all about grit, determination and character, which are qualities you need if you’re going to do well."
“It’s only going to breed confidence when you’re winning matches, so hopefully we can take that to Doncaster on Saturday and get another one."
It was Ronan Curtis who scored the late winner after Gareth Evans’ opener had been cancelled out by a Chris Lines penalty.
But Rovers – who were reduced to 10 men when Lines was sent off – almost snatched a point, with MacGillivray making a stunning save to deny former Blues winger Kyle Bennett.
The summer signing said: “I may not be one of those crazy keepers, but I’m confident in my own ability and know what I can do for the side.
“My job is to ultimately keep the ball out of the back of the net and unfortunately they scored a penalty, but the clean sheets will come.
“I watched the clips of their takers before and then the main guy went off, so I was looking to see who was next in line.
“By his stance I kind of had an inkling where he was going to send the ball, but he just put it out of my reach.
“The good thing is that we’re working well defensively and also scoring goals at the other end of the pitch.”