The Blues started poorly and were fortunate to get to half-time goalless, with the visitors hitting the post and wasting several great opportunities.
However, they stepped up their game considerably after the break, with man-of-the-match Colby Bishop scoring twice in five minutes to secure a 2-0 victory.
And here are our Pompey player ratings...
. Portsmouth forward Christian Saydee (15) during the EFL Sky Bet League 1 match between Portsmouth and Port Vale at Fratton Park, Portsmouth, England on 7 October 2023.
Christian Saydee attempts to drive Pompey forward against Port Vale. Picture: Jason Brown/ProSportsImages Photo: Jason Brown
. Will Norris - 7
Will have been relieved to see Ojo’s early shot strike the post and there were a couple of other Vale chances in a poor first half for the Blues. Yet overall was barely challenged, particularly in the second half, although he did make one diving save. Photo: Jason Brown
. Joe Rafferty - 7
Claimed another assist this season when his half-volley was turned home by Bishop at close range. Always an attacking outlet down the right but defensively an absolute rock. Photo: Jason Brown
. Sean Raggett - 7
Inevitably doesn’t have Poole’s range of passion or ability to drive up the pitch, so recall impacted on Pompey’s use of the ball from the back. But defensively still a superb performer at this level and wasn’t found wanting. Garrity cleared a second-half header off the line. Photo: Jason Brown
. Conor Shaughnessy - 8
Amid a poor first half, was one of the few maintaining any sorts of standards, thankfully. In absence of Poole, took responsibility for distribution from the back and, somehow, seems to grow with each game. Photo: Jason Brown
. Jack Sparkes - 7
Key part in the opener with another excellent cross from the left. Has clearly tightened up defensively and, coupled with his attacking quality, now created quite some competition at left-back. Photo: Jason Brown
. Joe Morrell - 8
Needed to step up in absences of Pack and Robertson - and the new skipper did just that with another strong display. Snapped and snarled but also so important to dictating Pompey’s play. Enjoying a fine season. Photo: Jason Brown
. Ben Stevenson - 7
Handed his Pompey league debut and struggled to stamp his mark on the match in the first half, perhaps understandable. But grew into the match, not afraid to put his foot in, while has a calming presence on the ball. Photo: Jason Brown
1. Will Norris - 7
Will have been relieved to see Ojo’s early shot strike the post and there were a couple of other Vale chances in a poor first half for the Blues. Yet overall was barely challenged, particularly in the second half, although he did make one diving save. Photo: Jason Brown
2. Joe Rafferty - 7
Claimed another assist this season when his half-volley was turned home by Bishop at close range. Always an attacking outlet down the right but defensively an absolute rock. Photo: Jason Brown
3. Sean Raggett - 7
Inevitably doesn’t have Poole’s range of passion or ability to drive up the pitch, so recall impacted on Pompey’s use of the ball from the back. But defensively still a superb performer at this level and wasn’t found wanting. Garrity cleared a second-half header off the line. Photo: Jason Brown
4. Conor Shaughnessy - 8
Amid a poor first half, was one of the few maintaining any sorts of standards, thankfully. In absence of Poole, took responsibility for distribution from the back and, somehow, seems to grow with each game. Photo: Jason Brown