Pompey have been steadily climbing the table following a slow start to the 2019/20 campaign.
But Kenny Jackett was always confident that his side could mount a League One promotion challenge.
They are currently sitting in eighth position – one point adrift of the play-off spots and six away from second position.
And with so many teams in the mixer, Jackett knows that Pompey have to make further strides in the second half of the season.
The Blues boss said: “It’s a wide open league and we’re one of the sides still in with an opportunity of promotion, which is pleasing.
“I’ve seen enough previous seasons where things have changed from one month to the next, so I always felt it was there for us.
"We’re in a position that we need to capitalise on and there are many different types of games coming up."
“We haven’t always been convincing and there have been stages where we haven’t quite got the side right. Now we need to look forward and not back.
“We’re in a position that we need to capitalise on and there are many different types of games coming up.
“There are matches against sides above and around us in the table, while we play Bolton on Saturday, who have their own unique set of circumstances.”
Pompey’s hosts at the weekend are propping up the rest of the division, having recovered from severe financial problems.
Jackett said: “Their troubles off the pitch have been well documented, but it’s a great ground and a terrific place to play football.
“We need to be at our best on Saturday if we want to keep our winning run going, although it certainly won’t be easy.
“Bolton will have everyone battling to get the results they need, as well as impress their own supporters.
“But we have to just push on and see if we can really put some more pressure on those sides above us in the table.”