Jamal Lowe has been vying with several other forwards for the title of Pompey’s top scorer in recent weeks.
But a brace at Fleetwood and crucial strike in their New Year’s Day victory over AFC Wimbledon has seen him move to the front of the list.
The tricky winger notched his 11th of the season in a 2-1 defeat of the Dons, following up to find the net after Ronan Curtis’ effort had been saved.
It means he has two more than Curtis – who went on to score the winner at Fratton Park – and Gareth Evans.
And despite being pleased with his personal tally, Lowe admits that securing points is the most important thing.
He said: “I had a look behind to check after scoring because you don’t want to celebrate too hard and then see the flag is up.
“But I thought I timed it well. I wanted a pass from Ronan, but you’re not going to get that when he’s coming in on his right foot.
"I had a look behind to check after scoring because you don’t want to celebrate too hard and then see the flag is up."
“I want to be the top scorer and, selfishly, build a gap over the other players. On the other hand, though, it doesn’t really matter.
“If the other guys are getting all the goals and we’re still winning, then I suppose that’s the thing that counts.”
Kwesi Appiah’s stunning strike had cancelled out Pompey’s early opener for the struggling visitors, only for Curtis to nod home soon after.
Lowe said: “They’re always the hardest games when you’re facing a side who come here with almost nothing to lose.
“It was a great finish from their lad from out of the blue, but the way we came straight back shows fantastic character.
“Wimbledon were what we expected – they fought hard and got the ball forward quickly. But our defence dealt with it well.
“They looked to counter a few times, but didn’t really have too many chances and we came through that pressure.
“The games are going to come thick and fast now and we want to see if we can keep this form going for as long as possible.”