Boss says Blues have to learn to see out games
It is clear to see where Pompey have fallen short in each of their three away league games this season.
The Blues have led at Accrington, Mansfield and Cheltenham, but had to settle for a 2-2 draw on each occasion.
Pompey showcased some fluent football in all of those games and might have added more goals.
But Guy Whittingham is more concerned with keeping them out at the other end ahead of Saturday’s trip to Burton.
The Blues boss said: “Our performances have been good enough to win games and we don’t want that gap between ourselves and the play-off positions to get too big.
“Overall, I’m pretty happy with the way things have gone – especially when we’re on the ball.
“Nine out of the 10 goals we’ve scored have been from open play and the other was a penalty won through open play.
“One goal ahead up isn’t enough, though, because it only takes a few seconds to score.
“But scoring two goals in each of our last three league games is a pretty decent return. How many do we have to score?
“We’ve had decent chances to score more in each of those matches, but we have to make sure we don’t lose our discipline.
“I’m not talking about committing fouls, but rather how we approach the game in the last 10 or 15 minutes.”
Burton currently sit sixth in the League Two table, but have lost their last two matches.
Whittingham said: “They’ve picked up a few little injuries that have slowed them down a bit.
“I’ve been to watch them and so have a few others. We’ve studied DVDs of them and will try to work out where their strengths and weaknesses are.
“I saw them up against Fulham in the cup. They defended fantastically well and looked a good footballing side when they were chasing the game towards the end.
“They look like they can mix things up a bit and, once again, it’s going to be a difficult game.
“Burton were up in the play-off places last season because they were a decent side and I don’t think that’s changed.”
Marcos Painter (hamstring) and Tom Craddock (knee) are both in contention to feature against Burton following spells on the sideline.
Whittingham said: “We’re pleased with Marcos’ progress, while Tom’s injury isn’t quite as bad as we first thought it was.
“But whether it’s too early for either of them to start a game yet is something we’ll have to see.”