Midfielder revels in Colchester win
It was a moment that relieved the tension around Fratton Park.
Colchester had been the latest side to sit back and look to soak up pressure against Pompey.
So when Gary Roberts was tripped in the box with 10 minutes to go and stepped up to convert the resulting penalty, the joy was palpable.
The midfielder then added a second goal moments later to secure a first three-point haul of the season.
And the man-of-the-match was pleased that the Blues were finally rewarded for their dominance.
Roberts said: “Our performances haven’t been too bad, but it’s just been frustrating that we haven’t got too many goals.
“It was nice on a personal level to get a couple and it’s even nicer that we were able to get the win.
“I was looking for someone to take the ball off me for the penalty – I felt a bit nervous!
“I didn’t really have a clue where it went. I just got my head down and hit it, so it was good to see the ball hit the back of the net.
“It was a great ball from Conor for my second, although he was moaning when I had a shot for my hat-trick late on.
“We know we’re a good team, but the supporters can get a bit edgy if we’re not winning. We need them to stick with us because we will get to where we want to be.”
Roberts admitted that is frustrating when sides visit Fratton Park and immediately adopt a negative mindset.
He said: “We watched videos of Colchester all week and they were attacking everyone left, right and centre.
“They were great on the eye, but then they came here and they played for a draw. We’re used to that and so are the fans.
“We just have to deal with that and make sure we get the first goal because that changes everything.”