Di’Shon Bernard was thrown straight into the Pompey side to make his debut against Barnsley at Fratton Park.
And despite being fielded in a less familiar right-back role due to Zak Swanson’s injury, the Manchester United loanee produced an impressive display in the 1-1 draw.
There might have been even more reason to celebrate, with a couple of headed opportunities from corners not quite finding the target.
But it was still an enjoyable debut for Bernard, who was particularly pleased with the noise generated from the stands.
The deadline day signing said: “The atmosphere lived up to what people had told me and the fans were excellent.
“They really got behind us and it does give you that 12th man on the pitch that you really need at times.
"The atmosphere lived up to what people had told me and the fans were excellent."
“I’ve played right-back before a few times in the Championship last season and also in League Two with Salford.
“So it was nothing really new for me and although I need some time to get back into it, I thought I did well.
“I was unlucky not to score and I definitely want to add that to my game, so hopefully I can put them away next time.”
Colby Bishop had fired Pompey into the lead early in the second half, only for Bobby Thomas to level late on.
Bernard said: “The boys put in a good shift throughout the match and we were very unlucky to concede towards the end.
“But I thought that we had a good game and hopefully we can take some momentum from that into the next one.
“We created a lot of chances and I think we need to be clinical to make sure we can take more of them to see the game out.”