The Fratton faithful made a big impression on the watching television audience during Tuesday night’s south coast derby.
But the noise generated by the home fans came as no surprise to one man who used to play for them.
Gary O’Neil progressed through the Blues ranks and became an integral member of the first team during the Premier League days.
And the 36-year-old midfielder ranks those Pompey supporters as the best he’s ever played in front of.
“It’s a special place and I’ve certainly not been anywhere else like it,” says O’Neil in the official matchday magazine for Saturday’s clash with his former side Bolton.
“The fans really get behind their team. I remember when we got beaten 5-1 at home by Arsenal and they were still backing us.
"It’s a special place and I’ve certainly not been anywhere else like it."
“They’ll always do that if the players give 100 per cent. I probably got more than most because I came through the youth team.
“Since I’ve left and played elsewhere, I actually realise just how great the Fratton faithful are.
"My little boy’s five now and it’s shame he never got to experience me playing there, but I want to show him one day and explain what it was like.”
To read the full interview – where O’Neil also discusses his favourite Fratton memories and last season’s stint with Wanderers – pick up your copy of the magazine from programme sellers around the ground.
Also in issue eight, we chat to James Bolton and Ronan Curtis reveals his bests and worsts, while Andy Cannon selects his dinner party guests.
We take an extensive look at Bolton, plus there are exclusive columns from Mark Catlin, Kenny Jackett, Tom Naylor and Ian Darke.
All this and much, much more can be found in a packed 84 pages, with the programme priced just £3.