Pompey continued their preparations for the League One play-offs with a behind closed doors friendly at Reading.
Oli Hawkins was on target for the Blues, but their Championship hosts won the Madejski Stadium contest 3-1.
It was a first taste of match action for Kenny Jackett’s side since the season was halted in mid-March and the boss gave game time to 23 players.
Goals from Lucas Joao and Omar Richards – both from inside the box – ensured the Royals led 2-0 at the break.
But Pompey pulled one back early in the second half, as Hawkins snatched the ball from under the nose of keeper Rafael Cabral Barbosa and shot into an empty net.
The striker came close to grabbing an equaliser by glancing a header wide from Marcus Harness’ cross, while Bryn Morris then fired a powerful long-range effort just off target.
Michael Olise ruled out any chance of a comeback late on, however, by finishing a well-worked Reading move.