It was an enjoyable return to Fratton Park action for Marcus Harness.
The winger opened the scoring in Pompey’s EFL Trophy group clash with Colchester with a fierce finish on 37 minutes.
And the clock had only made it as far as 38 when the same player collected a ball over the top from Jack Whatmough to complete a 2-0 victory.
Now the start of the League One campaign is just a few days away and Harness believes the Blues can approach it with confidence.
He said: “For the first goal, Ronan came in from the left and passed it to me. I just took a touch and then hit it early.
“It was a great ball from Jack for the second and I was able to run in behind for what was an easy finish.
"I think we’ve got a great chance of doing some really good things this season if we stick together and keep doing the right things."
“I’ve seen how good he is in training and it’s a massive addition for us, while the two new full-backs have strengthened our squad.
“I think we’ve got a great chance of doing some really good things this season if we stick together and keep doing the right things.
“Callum Johnson and I are still getting to know each on the right, but I thought we linked up well straight away, so hopefully we can have some joy playing together.
“Now we’ve got the first league game, which is always a big occasion. We’ve got to stay solid and try to get a positive result.”
Harness had a couple of opportunities to complete a treble before being replaced by Ryan Williams in the closing stages.
He said: “I was getting a bit greedy and I did feel a bit bad for one of the chances when I probably should have passed to John Marquis!
“My goal tally was okay last season and if I’d have played more games then I think I would have been right up there. It’s my job to do the right things and make sure the gaffer keeps picking me.”