Any striker would be eager to get their first goal after signing for a new club.
But Oliver Hawkins had to wait a bit longer than was necessary before he could celebrate his first one in a Pompey shirt.
The striker headed home from Dion Donohue’s cross late in the first half against Bristol Rovers at Fratton Park.
A raised flag from the linesman looked to have scuppered the party, though, before the officials conferred and the goal was given.
Hawkins said: “I’m really buzzing to get my first in a Pompey shirt – although I probably should have added another at the Fratton End.
“You want a perfect goal with a perfect celebration, but most strikers will just take whatever comes along.
“Once the linesman accepted that it was all okay, I was just buzzing and focused on trying to secure the win.
"You want a perfect goal with a perfect celebration, but most strikers will just take whatever comes along."
“I had a feeling that the ball was coming to me, so just knew that I had to hit the target and then it would go in.
“The defender tried to get the ball clear off the line, but eventually it went in and I’m so happy about that.
“I’m sure it will be the first of many and all the lads did an unbelievable job to help us get the right result.”
Pompey had to soak up some pressure before forging ahead, while Brett Pitman added a late brace to secure a 3-0 victory.
Hawkins said: “They had a lot of possession in the first half and made it tough for us, but we stayed strong and got the lead.
“I knew what Brett was about before I came here and he’s shown nothing but Championship quality – I can only learn from playing alongside him.”