It was a goal that ended a frustrating run of draws for Pompey, as they saw off Accrington at Fratton Park.
But Joe Pigott’s header after coming off the bench was ultimately not enough to maintain their faint play-off hopes.
Results elsewhere mean the Blues are seven points adrift of sixth position with just a couple of games remaining.
And despite being disappointed at how the campaign has panned out, Pigott was at least pleased to provide some cheer.
The striker said: “It was a feeling of relief more than anything because four draws in a row isn’t really good enough.
“It’s been a bit flat from us for a few weeks and was a tough watch, but we got the win that the fans came to see.
"It’s been a frustrating season, but our form under John Mousinho has been pretty good and it was that run of one win in 15 games earlier in the season that cost us."
“I was happy to contribute and it was a great ball in from Michael Jacobs – it’s his goal really and I just finished it off.
“It’s been a frustrating season, but our form under John Mousinho has been pretty good and it was that run of one win in 15 games earlier in the season that cost us.
“Getting into the play-offs from where we were would have been a huge achievement and it’s easy to forget that, but we couldn’t quite get over the line.”
Pigott struck for the first time since finding the target at Accrington last month – a fixture in which he was also controversially sent off.
The 29-year-old said: “Whenever I think about that, it just winds me up to be honest because I’d felt good up until that point.
“It was an awful decision, but also a dreadful touch from me and I’ve got enough experience to know better.
“That halted my progress a little bit, although I got a little bit of revenge here, even though it wasn’t Accrington’s fault.”