Boss delighted with victory over Hartlepool
Pompey went nine successive games without tasting success after beating Morecambe in November.
But they finally returned to winning ways with a 1-0 victory over bottom club Hartlepool at Fratton Park.
Matt Tubbs scored the only goal of the game on the hour mark when he headed home Ryan Taylor’s cross.
The hosts then never looked like surrendering their lead against a United side that struggled to breach a solid back-line.
And Andy Awford was delighted with the way his side played at both ends of the pitch.
The Blues boss said: “I thought it was a thoroughly deserved three points and it was a quality goal to win the game.
“We started well and then there was a lull in the game, but we came again in the second half and it was all about staying patient.
“Then we saw the game out very professionally and I was thoroughly pleased with the whole performance.
“I’m also delighted with the clean sheet – that’s two on the spin now and it creates a good platform to build on.
“It was as quiet a game as Paul Jones has had because we were never really troubled and we looked solid throughout.
“They all played their part – as did the fans – in what was a great team performance and result, but now we have to use it move forward.
“We’ve got another big game on Tuesday at Dagenham and we want to keep moving up the table.”
Awford was particularly pleased for Tubbs, who had failed to find the target in his first four games for Pompey.
He said: “Matt’s had a few chances since he’s been here, but keeps putting himself in there.
“He’s a goalscorer and has done that for his whole career – I’m sure it’s the first of many that he’ll get for us.”