Kenny Jackett was pleased with an improved pre-season performance against Swindon.
He had been particularly disappointed by the defensive display in the previous week’s 3-2 defeat at Stevenage.
So a clean sheet at the County Ground was most welcome and largely thanks to a fine first half Craig MacGillivray save.
That ensured goals from Oli Hawks and Jamal Lowe after the interval secured a 2-0 victory against League Two opposition.
And with 10 of the side on the pitch from first whistle until last, it was a pleasant afternoon in the Wiltshire sunshine for Jackett.
The Blues boss said: “The game was a useful one for us, with the majority of the players out there getting 90 minutes.
“It felt more like a cup tie than a pre-season match – there were a lot of balls into the box and it was very end-to-end.
“There was a high level of pace shown and it so would have been a good fitness exercise for both sides.
"It felt more like a cup tie than a pre-season match – there were a lot of balls into the box and it was very end-to-end."
“Swindon overload the midfield and they caused us problems, which is good because that will happen during the season.
“I’m pleased with the clean sheet, with our keeper making one outstanding save in the first half and then in the second we put our bodies on the line.
“It gives you something to build on and helps you be as constructive as possible – we were disappointed to concede three at Stevenage last week.
“We were happy with Oli’s goal, although I did feel there were more there for him. We’re telling him that he needs to head the ball down or back across more consistently.
“If we can get Jamal into the right positions then that really helps and with Ronan Curtis on the other side, we’ve got the pace to break into spaces.”
Pompey have three more matches left to play before hosting Luton in their League One opener in a fortnight.
Jackett said: “We’ve got two games on Tuesday – behind closed doors at Brighton in the morning and then at Bognor in the evening.
“Everyone will be able to play that day and then we go on to the match against Utrecht next Saturday.”