Marlon Pack knows that a two-game winless run over Christmas will get some questioning Pompey’s promotion credentials.
A frustrating home draw against Fleetwood on Saturday was followed by a dramatic Boxing Day defeat at Bristol Rovers.
The visitors were peppering the opposition goal after Paddy Lane drew them level, only for Luke Thomas to go up the other end and snatch a stoppage-time winner for the Gas.
It was a moment that deflated the sold out away end and Pack knows the Blues now have to show what they are made of.
Pompey’s skipper said: “There was perhaps a hangover feeling from the Fleetwood result and the overriding feeling for me after the past two games is that we have to be a lot more clinical.
“We created enough chances to win the game during that period when we were on top, although we also had to ride it out at times.
"When you’re used to winning – and winning well – it’s a stinger because we know that we can be a lot better."
“There was that little bit more quality needed instead of trying to rush things and when we did equalise, there were numerous other chances that we snatched at.
“When you’re used to winning – and winning well – it’s a stinger because we know that we can be a lot better.
“The message is that we’re still in a fantastic position, but now there are going to be real questions asked of us.
“I’ve spoken before about our team spirit and togetherness and this is when you need everyone to be united.
“It’s alright us talking about it when things are going well, but you need to show that when you haven’t won in two.
“So we have to get over this result quickly because the Exeter game is so close and we need to be ready for it.”