It was a Pompey performance full of impressive performances all over the pitch.
With players missing because of international duty and injuries, the odds were stacked against them at high-flying Wycombe.
But the visitors created plenty of chances and Marcus Harness took one of them following good build-up play from Ronan Curtis and George Hirst.
There was also a magnificent rearguard display to keep a clean sheet, typified by commanding displays from centre-backs Sean Raggett and Connor Ogilvie and several superb saves from Alex Bass.
And Danny Cowley was delighted by the fight shown by his troops to depart Adams Park with all three points.
The Blues boss said: “That was a good – and hard-fought – win for us against a Wycombe side who ask a lot of questions of you physically.
“They had some players away on international duty, but knew that we also had quite a few guys missing.
“Perhaps they thought we would roll over and go under, but the fact we showed our mettle is so pleasing.
“A lot has gone against us, so to see us sticking together like that and showing so much spirit is extremely performance.
“I’m so pleased for Alex and he’s conducted himself brilliantly – it was an absolutely terrific display from him.
"It’s the first time we’ve won a game like that where we’ve really had to dig in, fight and show a great deal of determination."
“He saved a penalty and we won’t talk about the one we didn’t get, which was one of the most bizarre decisions I’ve seen.
“It was a colossal performance from our two centre-backs and Shaun Williams controlled things in midfield with his positional play and use of the ball.
“Our attacking playing, particularly on the counter, was very positive and we changed the system, going to a diamond.
“We know that Wycombe like to put a lot of balls in your box and create a lot of sustained pressure. If you clear it, then they load it straight back in.
“You can end up living in your own penalty hour, so we wanted to get two up front and Marcus is a fantastic transition player. The three of them – with Ronan and George – were a real threat.
“It’s the first time we’ve won a game like that where we’ve really had to dig in, fight and show a great deal of determination.
“My most successful teams have always had that, but it doesn’t just happen overnight. You have to get on the right side of those matches and be able to celebrate with your supporters for it to build.”
Pompey were without forwards John Marquis and Reeco Hackett, who are both in the treatment room.
Cowley said: “John’s got a tendon injury and the truth is that we need to find out a bit more about what’s wrong.
“Reeco has a sore back and we think that’s short-term, but it just adds to our situation. We knew at the start of the week, we’d probably be without them.”