It was a year of plenty of highs – and very few lows – for Pompey.
So fans will be hoping that the start to 2018 does not prove a portent for what is to come in the months ahead.
It all looked to be going so well, as Oliver Hawkins’ header gave them a second half lead at Bristol Rovers.
But Stuart Sinclair and Liam Sercombe struck in the closing stages to turn the Memorial Stadium contest on its head.
And Kenny Jackett was frustrated that his side could not hold on to continue their good League One form.
The Blues boss said: “The game came alive after we scored the goal and it had been quite dead up until that point.
“As the away side that suited us and for long spells it looked like it was our fourth game in the space of 10 days.
"It was a game where we had to battle and it was difficult for us to hold them."
“Bristol Rovers is a difficult place to come and – like us – they’ve got a very good home record, while there was almost a capacity crowd.
“So it was a game where we had to battle and it was difficult for us to hold them. Ultimately they got two late goals to claim the points.
“We got our noses in front and that’s key to many games, but it was tough for us to keep them out and they had wave after wave towards the end.”
Jackett delivered a disappointing update on Danny Rose after the midfielder was injured against Northampton on Saturday.
He said: “Danny’s broken his leg and undergone surgery, so I would be very surprised if he played again this season.
“I would expect Gareth Evans to be out for around a month, while I think Brandon Haunstrup’s knee injury will keep him out for six-eight weeks.
“Our plans for January are always evolving and we are light on numbers, so we’ll work within our budget to do the right business at the right time.”