Nonetheless, there was an encouraging end to proceedings at London Road with the substitute entrances of Reeco Hackett and Michael Jacobs helping drive a good finish for the Blues.
Still, it was a defeat, with the visitors poor for large parts of the game, failing to repeat previous wins over Exeter and Fleetwood under their new head coach – and here are our player ratings...
5. Conor Shaughnessy - 8
Once overlooked, now an automatic starter, the Irishman continues to go from strength to strength. Another strong defensive performance. Photo: Jason Brown
6. Connor Ogilvie - 7
Didn’t have as much attacking impact as Swanson down the right, but always willing to get forward. Rock solid as ever defensively, which was certainly needed when down to 10 men. Photo: Jason Brown
7. Marlon Pack - 9 - MOM
What a cross from your holding midfielder to assist Bishop in his first-half goal, then his short corner played a part in the second goal and later a clever headed pass aided Kamara in the third. Superb all-round performance. Photo: Jason Brown
8. Joe Morrell - 7
Blotted an impressive performance by collecting another Pompey red card following two bookable offences. It left his team-mates down to 10 men from the 85th minute. A shame as was superb throughout, but now faces a one-match ban. Photo: Jason Brown