There was warm applause from the Fratton faithful to greet the full-time whistle from referee Charles Breakspear.
A goalless draw against Barnsley – with Omar Bogle seeing his penalty saved – saw Pompey draw a fifth successive League One fixture.
It means that the hosts remain five points adrift of the automatic promotion places, with 12 games left to play.
But it was arguably their best display for some time and Kenny Jackett was pleased with how his side fared.
The Blues boss said: “We got forward more than we have in recent times and got better service to our wide players.
“That’s our game – to give constructive passes to those guys and then have the full-backs getting round them to give more options.
"There have been times when we’ve looked flat and lacking energy – that wasn’t the case on this occasion."
“When we’re at our best, that’s what we do. I saw a lot more of that in what was a positive performance.
“We had the better chances and there were key saves from Davies in the first half, while there was more energy and cohesion in midfield.
“Obviously we’re disappointed because we really want wins and that’s five draws on the spin for us now.
“But there have been times when we’ve looked flat and lacking energy – that wasn’t the case on this occasion and we want to replicate that.”
Bogle’s spot-kick was saved in the second half after Dimitri Cavare fouled Viv Solomon-Otabor in the box.
Jackett said: “Omar, Ronan and Bryn have the confidence to want to take penalties, but the decision had already been made.
“He’s got a very strong left foot and he’s currently our centre-forward. It was frustrating for him and probably a good height for the keeper, although it was still an excellent save.”
Jamal Lowe has been a regular starter for Pompey this season, but had to be content with a substitute appearance against Barnsley.
Jackett said: “He has been lacking a bit of energy and needs to recharge his batteries, but we all know what he’s capable of.”