Charlie Daniels showed a glimpse of his quality when he came on for the closing stages of Pompey’s narrow defeat to Lincoln.
He whipped in a corner that was met by the head of Ronan Curtis, with the officials deciding the ball had not crossed the line.
It meant that Morgan Rogers’ late strike was enough to win the contest for the visitors, who were playing against 10 men for most of the night.
That was after Jack Whatmough was controversially dismissed by Sam Purkiss for a challenge on Jorge Grant.
Daniels said: “It was tough and the red card was harsh – I really don’t think the referee had his best game.
“A few decisions went against us and it killed the game, while it looked like there was a handball that he missed which sums up his day.
"It’s not the circumstances I wanted to make my debut, but I’m really pleased to have joined this club."
“It’s draining to play with 10 men and you have to be structured and disciplined, which I thought we were.
“Lincoln didn’t create too much aside from their goal and we defended really well – it’s just unfortunate they scored.
“It’s not the circumstances I wanted to make my debut, but I’m really pleased to have joined this club.”
The result leaves Pompey four points adrift of League One’s automatic promotion spots in fifth position.
Daniels said: “We’re midway through the season now and are in a great position, so we need to do the same in the second half.
“You play football because you want to win and be part of a squad that enjoys success. That’s never changed for me.
“I thought Lee Brown played really well and I know it’s going to be a push to get into the side. But as long as this club gets promoted, then I’ll be happy.”