A run of six successive wins – amidst a nine-match unbeaten run – meant spirits have been pretty high in the Pompey camp.
But the side came crashing back down to earth after being dumped out of the Emirates FA Cup by Harrogate Town at the weekend.
There is an immediate chance to put things right, as Sheffield Wednesday head to the south coast for a televised League One contest this evening.
And despite several players missing through injury and illness, Danny Cowley expects to see better from his troops.
The Blues boss said: “We came up short on Saturday and have had to deal with the pain, but we never got too high after the recent wins.
“So for us it’s been about licking our wounds, taking learning from the game and trying to find a response.
“We’ve spoken a lot about developing the determination and resilience of the group and we’re not the only club with challenges to overcome.
"It’s been about licking our wounds, taking learning from the game and trying to find a response."
“Now we have to find the best solutions and when there is adversity, that’s when you show fight and togetherness to come through that.
“We’re at home with our supporters behind us and we need them at the moment. I’m sure they know what we require from them.”
Sheffield Wednesday dropped out of the second tier last term and currently sit one place above Pompey in the League One standings.
Cowley said: “They’ve got an outstanding squad on paper. It’s probably one of the best in this division.
“Darren Moore is a great manager and an even better person, so we look forward to seeing him again.
“He has a clear way of how he wants his teams to play and there are guys there who are top Championship players.
“I think they have a few key people coming back to fitness and they’ve been able to add Nathaniel Mendez-Laing to the group.
“They’re a side I expect to get stronger and I anticipate that anyone who finishes above them will have had a successful season.”