The Blues were indebted to the returning Callum Lang for a first win in 11 matches in all competitions this season, with the attacker creating one and then grabbing the winner from the penalty spot.
John Mousinho’s men found themselves behind after just nine minutes when Kader Dembele lobbed into an empty net following Nicolas Schmid’s poor headed clearance.
However, brilliant work from Lang provided the leveller for Freddie Potts on 18 minutes and the the ex-Wigan man won himself a second-half penalty – and converted it.
The Blues held out for a vital victory – and here are our Pompey player ratings...
1. Goal, Portsmouth Callum Lang (49) scores from the penalty spot, Queens Park Rangers 1-2 Portsmouth during the EFL Sky Bet Championship match between Queens Park Rangers and Portsmouth at the MATRADE Loftus Road, London, England on 19 October 2024.
Callum Lang celebrates his winner from the penalty spot against QPR. Picture: Jason Brown/ProSportsImages Photo: Jason Brown
2. Nicolas Schmid - 7
Awful start to the game when his headed clearance outside the box was lobbed over him by Dembele for the opener. However, responded well and later denied Chair in a one-on-one with a big right-hand while standing up. In the second half produced a diving stop to again deny Chair. Photo: Jason Brown
3. Jordan Williams - 8
Growing nicely into a consistent right-sided role and another strong performance. As right wing-back didn’t offer too much coming forward, but defensively very sound. Also took one for the team with the late foul on Saito, rightly earning a booking. Photo: Jason Brown
4. Regan Poole - 8
Great back-post header to prevent Paal nodding home late in the first half. Caught out with the ball over the top a couple of times and overshadowed by McInnes, but still a good performance. Photo: Jason Brown