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...
9. Abu Kamara - 7
Booked for simulation after going down inside the box under a challenge from Pett amid Blues penalty areas. Pompey’s chief danger man in the first half and had some decent moments in the second as well. Photo: Jason Brown
10. Colby Bishop - 5
Intriguing battle with 38-year-old Curtis Davies but failed to come out on top. Spurned a couple of great scoring opportunities, particularly in the dying seconds with a header. Unfortunate with another chance when played through by Saydee. Photo: Bryn Lennon
11. Paddy Lane - 6
Caused problems at times, but didn’t produce enough testing deliveries from the left to threaten the Cheltenham goal. Always looks capable, though, and kept plugging away. Photo: Jason Brown
12. Will Norris (1) during the EFL Sky Bet League 1 match between Cheltenham Town and Portsmouth at Jonny Rocks Stadium, Cheltenham, England on 6 January 2024.
Will Norris claims a catch to end a Cheltenham attack in the Whaddon Road clash. Picture: Jason Brown/ProSportsImages Photo: Jason Brown