A 5-2 victory ensured that Pompey fans enjoyed their pre-season trip to Westleigh Park.
But despite seeing off Havant & Waterlooville, Lee Brown believes that results count for absolutely nothing at this time of year.
The Blues had to battle from behind to claim the win, which saw a trialist hit a hat-trick, while both Ryan Tunnicliffe and Reeco Hackett-Fairchild also found the target.
And Brown knows they have to keep moving through the gears ahead of next month’s League One opener at Fleetwood.
The left-back said: “There’s a long way to go before the start of the season and a lot of us to work on, but it’s just nice to get some minutes under the belt.
“I’ve had pre-seasons where I’ve won every game and then lost the first five league matches, while there have been times when we’ve lost them all and been top at Christmas.
“So results don’t mean much at this stage and it’s more about getting where you need to be physically.
"There’s a long way to go before the start of the season and a lot of us to work on, but it’s just nice to get some minutes under the belt."
“We’re also going away to St George’s Park next week and that will give the new lads some time to settle in.
“You’re not going to be right at it from the very start and just have to keep building momentum ahead of August 7.
“The best thing about this game was for the fans to be there and it always helps to have a bit of noise behind you when you’re playing.
“It did feel a little bit strange to see them back again, but even just having 3,000 there was fantastic. It’s certainly been missed.”
Brown, like everyone else, is eagerly anticipating Sunday’s Euro 2020 final – and could even be at Wembley to cheer on England.
He said: “I’m still trying to get a ticket! I’m waiting for a mate to get back to me. It would be nice, but otherwise I’ll have a quiet one at home.
“What a fantastic thing for the whole of the country to look forward to. Hopefully we can get the right result and lift the trophy.”