They reached the fourth round of the Emirates FA Cup for just the second time since going all the way to the final in 2010.
But that is where Pompey’s run would ultimately end, as they fell to a 2-0 replay defeat to QPR at Loftus Road.
Nahki Wells and Matt Smith struck in quick succession during the second half to ensure the Championship side would progress.
And while Kenny Jackett conceded that his side could have provided more of an attacking threat, he was pleased with their fighting qualities.
The Blues boss said: “We competed well, but couldn’t really get any shots away until a bit of a flurry towards the end.
“Ultimately it was two set-pieces that cost us – the three goals they’ve scored across the two ties have all come from them.
"We’ve had a good cup run and while there’s some frustration at going out of the competition, we have to look forward now."
“It’s been two corners and one free-kick and they’ve proved to be the difference, but we generally battled well.
“We’ve had a good cup run and while there’s some frustration at going out of the competition, we have to look forward now.”
Injuries and several players being ineligible meant that Jackett made five changes for the contest and named just six on the bench.
He said: “We had a lack of options with people out and Bryn Morris was touch and go with his ankle, so didn’t quite make the starting 11.
“Nathan Thompson also needed a breather after his injury and I didn’t think that three games in a week would be right for him.
“Oli Hawkins returned and I felt he had a good game, but we couldn’t quite get the runners off him like we usually can.”
Jack Whatmough went off with a knee injury during Pompey’s league draw with Doncaster at the weekend and Jackett revealed that the defender will be out of action for some time.
He said: “It’s not good news. He will need an operation, although we don’t know quite what kind at the moment.
“We will continue to assess the situation, but it does unfortunately look to be another long stretch out for Jack.
“He definitely won’t be back this season and it may be a bit longer than that, which is frustrating for him and us.
“Jack will – as he always has – get very well looked after by the club and he has the character to overcome this setback.”