Danny Cowley praised Dane Scarlett’s impact after an inspired performance against Peterborough.
The Tottenham loanee netted in either half to help Pompey secure victory after falling behind to Jack Marriott’s early strike.
He nodded home an excellent Clark Robertson cross before being teed-up by debutant Josh Koroma to score the winner.
And with Fratton Park in fine voice throughout the League One contest, there was plenty to delight Cowley.
The Blues boss said “It’s a really important win for us and we actually started well, with a lot of momentum and energy.
“But then we conceded the goal from a mistake, which happens. The important thing is the response and that, from the whole group, was magnificent.
“And our supporters – wow. It was as loud as I’ve ever heard Fratton Park and that was after Peterborough scored, which allowed our guys to maintain their belief.
"He is so sharp with his movement and so brave. He’ll flash across the front and put his head where other people don’t want to."
“We didn’t play some of our best football in that first half and probably should have equalised before we did.
“When the goal did come, it was a well-worked effort from a free-kick and a brilliant cross from Clark – more like Andrew Robertson – before a good Dane finish.
“He’s ruthless and I’ve seen him score those headed goals before, so I’ve been moaning about when they were going to come for us!
“He is so sharp with his movement and so brave. He’ll flash across the front and put his head where other people don’t want to.
“It was great for Josh to come on and make the impact he did. It was a lovely pass and Dane used the defender as a shield before a smart finish.
“There’s substance and mettle in this group and the supporters are connected with them, so it was a good day.”
Skipper Robertson was utilised in an unfamiliar left-back role, with Cowley explaining why Connor Ogilvie was absent.
He said: “Connor and his partner have been in hospital for the past 72 hours and it hasn’t been easy for them, so we want to send our love to them both, as well as baby Ogilvie.”