There have been more important and high-profile south coast derbies in the past.
But Danny Cowley had impressed on his Pompey side just how important it was for them to perform against Southampton in the Hampshire Cup.
They responded with a 5-2 victory at Fratton Park to reach the third round, courtesy of Reeco Hackett’s brace and goals for Zak Swanson, Michael Jacobs and Koby Mottoh.
The latter was one of several academy players to feature for the hosts and Cowley was pleased with their impact.
The Blues boss said: “We had a really good place in the game at 4-0 and if we’re being critical, we got a bit sloppy after they went down to 10 men.
“I thought we lost our way for a 15-minute period, but then we finished strongly with four 16-year-olds on the pitch.
"We’re a proud football club and if we play Southampton, then we’ll always try to beat them."
“Our last goal was one that was made in the academy, with Harvey Laidlaw doing well and young Koby finding the finish – it’s a goal he’ll remember forever.
“We had 12 guys in our squad who are aged 23 or under and I think it bodes well to see so many young players.
“We’re a proud football club and if we play Southampton, then we’ll always try to beat them – it doesn’t matter if it’s the FA Cup final or the second round of the Hampshire Senior Cup.
“If you put on a Pompey shirt, then you need to understand the responsibility you have and make sure you commit to the performance.
“The group score five goals last week in the Papa Johns Trophy and now another five, so it’s really good for them.”
Jacobs did not come off the bench during Saturday’s draw with Fleetwood because of a hamstring issue, but the midfielder was on the pitch for more than 80 minutes against Southampton.
Cowley said: “He can struggle in terms of recovery when he’s out of rhythm, but it had settled down on the Sunday and we’ve got a bit of time now before the Charlton match.”
🎥 Lead PDP Coach Zesh Rehman on tonight's Hampshire Cup victory#Pompey pic.twitter.com/7SdrA1mN7P
— Portsmouth FC (@Pompey) October 11, 2022