Ben Close was pleased with a show of steel from Pompey at Shrewsbury.
The midfielder opened the scoring in a 2-0 victory for the Blues, while Brett Pitman then wrapped things up after the break.
But the hosts – who sit precariously above the League One drop zone – were the brighter side in the opening stages.
So Close was happy with the way that the visitors dealt with that pressure before going on to get the job done.
He said: “It was extremely satisfying because Shrewsbury are fighting for their lives. They showed a lot of heart and also plenty of quality.
“They were hurting us at times in the first half, but we rode that out and showed how good we are defensively before going up the other end to score.
“It was a similar story at times after the break, but everyone was there when they were called upon and for that reason we deserved to win.
"They were hurting us at times in the first half, but we rode that out and showed how good we are defensively before going up the other end to score."
“They were on the front foot when we got the second goal and we were able to capitalise on a mistake from them.
“It was excellent work from Oli Hawkins in the build-up and he provided a lovely pass for Brett to make it more comfortable.
“There was a spell when we were playing well and getting a lot of draws, but our luck seems to have turned and we’re getting some better results.”
Close took his personal goal tally to six for the season with a neat drilled effort late in the first half.
He said: “It was a similar finish to a couple of my other ones this season, although I think Jamal is trying to claim it!
“I found myself in a good position and just had to make sure that I hit the target – thankfully it went in.”