The opening goal arrived late in the first half, but it opened the floodgates as Pompey secured Emirates FA Cup progress against Barnsley.
Ben Close collected the ball from Andy Cannon and arrowed it into the net from the edge of the area.
John Marquis, Ronan Curtis and Christian Burgess also got in on the act in a 4-2 victory at Fratton Park.
And Close was delighted with how the home side fared in all departments, as they reached the fifth round for the first time since 2010.
The midfielder said: “It was an excellent performance – I thought we were on top from the first minute until the last.
“We were tenacious and aggressive off the ball to win it back, while we had quality in possession and were clinical in front of goal.
"It was an excellent performance – I thought we were on top from the first minute until the last."
“Every aspect of our game was impressive and it’s rare to see that happen – it’s hard to get all parts right.
“The attitude and effort always has to be there, but it’s nice to also see that matched by the technical display.
“I was pleased to score the opener because it set us on our way. We’d dominated up until that point, but just needed that goal.
“My dad’s a Geordie and so I think he’d like to go to Newcastle in the next round, but I want one of the big teams at Fratton Park.”
Close has not featured in either of the past two league fixtures, with loan arrival Cameron McGeehan taking his place.
The academy graduate said: “It’s part of the game and you’ve just got to make sure you give everything you can when you do get your chance.
“I felt that I gave a good performance out there, but more importantly, so did the rest of the team and we got the win.
“The manager likes the headache of having competition all over the pitch and that’s exactly what we’ve got here.”