Kenny Jackett conceded that Pompey were not at their creative best at the Stadium of Light.
But he was full of praise for their character and defensive abilities following a 1-1 draw with promotion rivals Sunderland.
Lewis Morgan headed the hosts into an early lead, but Jamal Lowe hit back to level before the interval.
And Jackett was pleased with a solid rearguard display – including some fine saves from Craig MacGillivray – that kept the Black Cats at bay.
The Blues boss said: “It was a very good point and everyone out on the pitch put a lot into that match.
“We dug in and defended well. It would have been lovely if we had more going forward, but we showed character and resilience.
“The two saves in the first half were exceptional and it’s hard to come and play here in front of a large crowd.
"It would have been lovely if we had more going forward, but we showed character and resilience."
“We were unable to get many shots away after the pitch or get up the pitch and into those dangerous areas.
“You can break and score as the away side. We weren’t able to get going that way, but maybe it’s asking too much.
“We put Gareth Evans and Oli Hawkins on and tried to give us fresh legs, but it didn’t necessarily alter the flow.”
Pompey now have to win both their remaining fixtures and hope that either Luton or Barnsley drop points on the final day.
Jackett said: “Neither of them are going to be easy, so we have to be ready and do the best we can to win them, then see where it takes us.
“Barnsley have won and a draw for us was a good result for them, but we just have to focus on our games and see what we can do.”