Pompey broke their away duck with a comfortable 2-0 victory over AFC Wimbledon at Kingsmeadow.
But Kenny Jackett knows that it was just the first hurdle, with games against Northampton and Fleetwood to follow in a busy week.
Brett Pitman opened the scoring from the penalty spot, while Conor Chaplin came off the bench to wrap the points up early in the second half.
And Jackett felt that his side thoroughly deserved their first three-point haul on the road this term.
The Blues boss said: “It was a well-earned win and a comprehensive performance from us, so I’m delighted with the outcome.
"Victories on the road are hard to come by and the clean sheet is another positive."
“We were a bit nervous to start with, although that can happen when you’re away from home.
“It was a battle, but we got better and better. Victories on the road are hard to come by and the clean sheet is another positive.
“It was a great run by Brett and diagonal ball from Thompson for the penalty. There have been a number of crucial decisions in every game we’ve played and that one went for us.
“The start to the second half was pleasing and it’s something we’ve talked about because we haven’t always been the best at that.
“Conor has been a very good impact substitute in his career. He wants to be more than that and so do I, but I’m sure he’ll get his chances.
“But we view the eight days as a whole and there are nine points on offer, so now we look to the games against Northampton and Fleetwood.
“I’ve made a lot of changes in a short space of time and we only had three starters who were on the pitch at the beginning of the Rochdale game.
“So the side needs to settle down a bit, but we’re becoming – in my eyes at least – an effective unit.”
Jack Whatmough is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after undergoing surgery on his knee.
And a nasty gash to the head for Oliver Hawkins at Wimbledon could see the striker join him in the treatment room.
Jackett said: “He had six stitches and the cut was quite deep, so I would think that he’ll miss a spell.
“It won’t be a short period of time for Jack. The specialist has said five to six months, but he’s a young man and is determined enough to come back.”