A Tom Bradbury own goal had handed the Blues a second-half lead, but within five minutes they were trailing 2-1 after two Liam Sercombe strikes following poor defending.
Pompey didn’t create nearly enough opportunities to find a way back and slumped to a second defeat in three away matches – and here are our player ratings...
5. Jack Sparkes - 5
(Replaced by Christian Saydee on 77 mins) - Wasted some early crossing opportunities and also a couple of free-kicks from promising positions in a frustrating performance from the left-back. Defensively solid, but Blues needed more in attacking positions. Photo: Jason Brown
6. Marlon Pack - 7 - MOM
Pompey’s fulcrum and tried everything to engineer a way back into the game after falling behind, yet needed more help from others. Ploughed on until the dying seconds. Photo: Jason Brown
7. Joe Morrell - 7
Popped up so many times in defensive positions to nick the ball away or produce a block and as industrious as ever looking to drive forward. Photo: Jason Brown
8. Gavin Whyte - 4
(Replaced by Anthony Scully on 84 mins) Recalled as the central attacking midfielder in place of the injured Alex Robertson. Put one great ball in from the left in the second half which was volleyed by Rafferty across the six-yard box. But frustratingly too much on the periphery yet again. Photo: Jason Brown