In a goal of few opportunities played on a difficult Deepdale playing surface, the decisive goal was on 40 minutes when Alfie Devine’s looping header from Andrija Vukcevic’s cross found the net.
The Blues may fee; aggrieved not to have won a first-half penalty for Jordan Storey’s challenge on Adrian Segecic, while Andre Dozzell also drew a smart save from Dai Cornell.
Yet they struggled to carve out too many chances and ended up losing 1-0 – and here are our player ratings...
1. Pompey lost today's game at Deepdale 1-0
Pompey lost today's game at Deepdale 1-0 | Alun Roberts
2. Nicolas Schmid - 7
Beaten by Devine’s looping header which found the top corner. Did brilliantly on the stroke of half-time to come outside the box and calmly deal with the ball as Small burst through. And a brilliant stoppage-time stop to deny Moran when clean through. Otherwise barely anything to do, which summed up the game. | Graham Hunt/ProSportsImages
3. Terry Devlin - 7
Lively as ever and always an attacking outlet. Remarkable energy and enthusiasm from a player who is rapidly becoming a serious player of the season contender. | Graham Hunt/ProSportsImages
4. Regan Poole - 7
The skipper produced a great early-game dribble with the ball which culminated in a cross to the far post. Largely a comfortable afternoon yet, crucially, was close enough to prevent Devine’s headed goal. | Graham Hunt/ProSportsImages