But boss still felt Blues were unlucky to lose against Fleetwood
Fleetwood arrived at Fratton Park with a reputation as one of the best sides in League Two.
And they certainly lived up to their billing to leave the south coast with all three points.
The only goal of the game was a fortunate one, however.
Jamille Matt’s shot was well saved by John Sullivan, only for the ball to ricochet of Sonny Bradley and into the net.
And Guy Whittingham was disappointed to see that cost his side a share of the spoils.
The Blues boss said: “We didn’t play as well as we have done in the past, although I don’t think we deserved to lose.
“We always knew it was going to be difficult against a very good Fleetwood side.
“They started very well, although I thought we came into the game more in the last 15 minutes of the first half.
“But, for some reason, we just couldn’t get going in the second half and our passing was a bit slow.
“When it’s like that you hope that you defend well and we did that, but we still conceded.
“John Sullivan stood up well and made a great save – he’s growing and growing with his performances. But the rebound hit Sonny and there’s nothing he can do about it.
“We tried to get the ball forward late on, but Fleetwood dealt with everything we threw into their box.
“They’ve gone and out and spent money on some very good players – that’s why they are where they are.”
Pompey have now lost three of their four home games this season, although Whittingham is confident that form will turn.
He said: “We’ve had players sent off in two of those games and then conceded because of a ricochet in the other.
“We’ve now played the top three teams here, but we’ve got some good home games coming up and we’ve got a good chance of winning them.”