Boss not overly concerned with Ebbsfleet defeat
But Andy Awford does not believe the result will have much of a bearing on Pompey’s League Two challenge.
Comfortable victories against Havant & Waterlooville, Bognor and Thurrock have left many optimistic about the forthcoming campaign.
Pompey have previously had it all their own way in pre-season.
The Blues boss said: “I haven’t gone overboard when we’ve won and I won’t after a defeat.
“It’s clear we have to do better defensively as a team, but I’m glad that’s been highlighted now instead of a few weeks down the line.
“That’s what pre-season’s all about – finding out the problems and ironing them out.
“Ebbsfleet were very good, so fair play to them. They took their chances and we didn’t.
“We probably created the same amount of chances as them, but it took Alex Wynter to finally test their keeper in the second half.
“I’m more concerned about that lack of conviction in front of goal than the defending because we can work on that as a unit. But we’ll continue to work on that.
“There were a few sluggish players out there. They weren’t very sharp, but they will be against Exeter.
“We’re in the middle of pre-season and working them as hard as we can because they’re still getting their fitness levels up.”
Awford has a starting line-up in mind for Pompey’s league opener at Exeter next month. "But we've got a squad of players to choose from and if you're not involved in the first match then you've got to make sure you're ready for the second one."
He said: “I mentioned during the week that I’ve got a team in my head for the first game and it’s not changed.