Boss pleased to see Pompey finally find the right mix
It has taken a while for Pompey to find the right balance on their travels.
Three times they have led away from home this season and three times they have had to settle for a 2-2 draw.
But everything fell into place for the Blues at Burton.
Goals from Ricky Holmes and Simon Ferry were complemented by a solid defensive display.
Yassin Moutaouakil’s red card and a stoppage-time consolation from Zander Diamond were the only negatives.
And Guy Whittingham was pleased to see Pompey’s result finally match their performance.
The Blues boss said: “Out of all the games we’ve played so far, it’s probably the one where we’ve created the least chances.
“But we’re looking for that balance where we create chances and score goals, but are also hard to beat.
“The players need a big pat on the back because all the hard work they’ve put in recently has paid off.
“We’re pleased that everything managed to come together and we’ve been able to pick up a very good result.
“Ricky’s done very well. It was another good move and a fine header from Pat before Ricky followed up.
“Simon’s not known for his tap-ins, but he got right in there and put the ball in and we’re delighted for him.”
Joe Devera went off early at the Pirelli Stadium with a hamstring injury, while Moutaouakil will now miss three matches after kicking out at Jimmy Phillips.
Whittingham said: “Who knows if we would have conceded with 11 men on the pitch, but I’d like to think we would have kept a clean sheet.
“You know that you can’t kick out at someone on the football pitch, no matter how wound up you might be. The referee was left with no choice.
“Joe just felt a tweak in his hamstring and when that happens you don’t want to make it any worse. We’ll have to wait and see if it settles down."