Kenny Jackett hailed an assure – if not spectacular – victory over Fleetwood.
Oli Hawkins headed home the only goal of the game to ensure Pompey stretched their lead at the League One summit to six points.
The striker converted Dion Donohue’s corner early in the second half before Nathan Sheron was sent off for the Cod Army late on following a second bookable offence.
There were not an abundance of other scoring chances at either end, although Jackett felt his team’s performance definitely deserved all three points.
The Blues boss said: “It was a comprehensive 1-0 win and we were the stronger side in both halves.
“We restricted them to not much going forward, which is an achievement because Fleetwood have some talented players.
"We work hard and are humble about every single result we get in this division, so we won’t be basking in the glory too much."
“The key moment came from a set-piece and that’s two assists in two weeks now for Donohue, which is good for him.
“We’d have liked more clear-cut chances and more goals, but we were the better side and deserved the win.
“You’re always wary with a narrow lead, but we saw it through very well and got into situations on the break.
“That’s how it should be – we need to be tight at the back and have the pace and ability to score further goals.
“We’re looking to get a really high points total this season and we’re pleased with what we’ve got so far.
“We work hard and are humble about every single result we get in this division, so we won’t be basking in the glory too much. We’re in on Sunday to look ahead to facing Burton.”
There was a worrying moment when Jamal Lowe went down injured after the break – and the perpetrator was his own team-mate.
Jackett said: “Ben Thompson made a tackle on every player on the pitch – including our own guys. There was a clash, but hopefully he’ll be okay.
“He did well to get up and play the rest of the game, which shows the kind of character we’re looking for.”