Tyler Walker has had to remain patient before being able to celebrate opening his Pompey account.
But the on-loan striker slotted home at Crewe to help them secure a valuable 3-1 victory in the battle for the play-offs.
He pounced in the first half after an effort from Sean Raggett was only partially dealt with by keeper Dave Richards.
Walker, however, was more concerned that the Blues were able to close the gap on sixth spot to five points.
He said: “We were looking to build on the good form we’ve had recently and I was delighted to get going with my first goal.
“I was buzzing and it was nice to get a little tap-in, but it was more important that the team won and so we’re all really happy.
"We’re doing well and scoring a lot of goals, so we’re pleased that the games are coming thick and fast at the moment."
“Another three points is absolutely massive for us and now we have to take that into Saturday’s match.
“We’re doing well and scoring a lot of goals, so we’re pleased that the games are coming thick and fast at the moment. It means we can keep our rhythm.
“I’m here to help the club and things are going so well at the moment, so I’ll always be pleased with that.
“There are so many players performing at a high level and now we want to make sure we keep that going.”
George Hirst took his tally to six goals from the past six games by heading home a couple of Connor Ogilvie crosses.
Walker said: “He's absolutely flying. George is someone that I know really well and so I’m delighted for him.
“He’s got everything, but he needs to keep his head down and work hard – then he can go however high he wants.”