It was, particularly in the first half, an exciting end-to-end contest that saw chances arriving at regular intervals.
But Callum Johnson would have preferred Pompey to have kept a bit more discipline in their League One contest at MK Dons.
Both teams struck the woodwork, while Ronan Curtis and John Marquis both went close for the Blues.
A Scott Fraser penalty just before the interval ensured it was the hosts who took all three points, however.
And Johnson knows Pompey have to get back on track quickly if they want to secure a place in the play-offs.
The right-back said: “We had a game-plan, but there were spells in the game when we didn’t really stick to it well enough.
“There were chances for us, although we were sloppy on the ball and it felt a bit like a basketball match at times.
"We had a game-plan, but there were spells in the game when we didn’t really stick to it well enough."
“I think that suited them, while we really wanted to try to find some control and were never able to get that.
“As a back four, our job is to keep a clean sheet and we couldn’t do that, but there were enough opportunities to win.
“We can’t feel sorry for ourselves and have to find a way to go on a mini-run and get into those play-offs.
“It’s Swindon next and they’re in a fight, so it’s going to be difficult, but we’re glad there’s another game on Tuesday to put things right.”
Pompey will be without Jack Whatmough for a while after the defender was shown a straight red card for a late lunge.
Johnson said: “He’s a really good player for us and makes my job a lot easier – we’ve got a really good relationship on the pitch.
“It’s obviously going to be a big miss, but someone else will come in and has to grasp that opportunity.”