You have to go back more than two-and-a-half years to find Pompey’s last defeat in the EFL Trophy.
So it did not come as a surprise that they began their latest campaign in the competition with a victory.
A brace from Marcus Harness – with the goals coming just a minute apart – sealed a 2-0 group stage victory over Colchester at Fratton Park.
And Kenny Jackett was pleased with the outcome ahead of this weekend’s League One opener against Shrewsbury.
The Blues boss said: “It was a solid performance and better defensively than at Stevenage – which we did need – so hopefully it sets us up nicely for Saturday.
“I do think that those players who feature against Shrewsbury will be better for having appeared in this game.
"We’re pleased with the clean sheet and Marcus scored two excellent goals, while we could have had more."
“It will help them to get into a rhythm and build their confidence – it was a really good workout for all of them.
“We’re pleased with the clean sheet and Marcus scored two excellent goals, while we could have had more.
“Colchester are a good footballing side and they move the ball well, but we restricted them to minimal chances.
“There were also a couple of positive debuts for Callum Johnson and Cameron Pring. It’s good for them to get a blue shirt on pretty quickly.”
Jack Whatmough produced an assured display in the centre of Pompey’s defence, having made just two competitive appearances last term.
Jackett said: “He hasn’t played with Sean Raggett too many times, but I felt they built a strong partnership at the back.
“It was a good performance that will hopefully provide him with confidence, as well as fitness, after a long lay-off.
“You can do all the training you want, but you do need games to recover that touch and also that belief.”