Pompey’s struggles at the start of the season are starting to feel like a long time ago.
A 3-2 victory over Rotherham at Fratton Park ensured they continued their free-scoring form, made it four wins on the bounce and seven successive games unbeaten.
The result also saw them leapfrog Sunderland into 10th place – just two points outside the play-off spots.
It came against a side above them in the table and left Kenny Jackett delighted about his side’s upward trajectory.
The Blues boss said: “It feels like a really big victory after beating one of the main promotion contenders – we stood toe-to-toe with them.
“We took the lead three times and it the result does give us a leg up, pulling the sides at the top of the table slightly closer.
"It took us a while to bed down as a group, but I do feel there’s a bit more understanding there now."
“The game was always in the balance, but we’ve scored 12 times now in our past four games and there’s a lot of firepower there.
“We did have to defend at times, which you expect, but I always felt that there were more goals for us on the break.
“Oli Hawkins has again helped us in both boxes and that’s something we’ve needed this season, particularly late on in games.
“We’ve worked hard on our teamwork and tried to leave the egos at the door. We’re working for each other and have to keep going.
“If we can just keep concentrating on that and make sure the work ethic is correct, then that will only promote our other qualities.
“It took us a while to bed down as a group, but I do feel there’s a bit more understanding there now and we want to keep improving.
“We’ve built up a head of steam and now have a couple of cup ties to play before our next league game, which is a big one against Peterborough.”