The Crewe defeat which changed the course of Portsmouth history - now they're back after Peterborough and Oxford wins

Yet it was their most recent visit to Fratton Park which represents a pivotal point in the Blues’ modern history.

For that March 2017 defeat served as the inspiration behind title silverware and finally escaping League Two.

Now, for the first time since that Paul Cook turning point, the Railwaymen return to the south coast.

And, ominously, they will arrive at Fratton Park on Saturday on the back of successive 2-0 wins over Peterborough and Oxford United.

For some, Crewe sparks reminiscing of March 2013, when caretaker boss Guy Whittingham’s men claimed a 2-1 victory at Gresty Road.

It sparked emotional scenes among the travelling support after ending a club-record run of 23 matches without a win as the Blues tumbled out of League One.

However, the foundations for their return to that level were laid in defeat to the same side four years later.

Pompey were eyeing breaking into third place with a game in hand when Crewe visited Fratton Park in March 2017.

The struggling Railwaymen had lost 4-0 to Hartlepool the previous week – yet would secure a shock 1-0 triumph on Blues soil.

George Ray’s headed goal 13 minutes from time sparked a toxic reception for Cook’s players at the final whistle from many among the 16,810 crowd.

Such was the unpleasant atmosphere, the manager instructed his players to return to the safety of the dressing room rather than carrying out their customary applauding of the home support.

In the immediate aftermath, an under-pressure Cook, who had also been targeted and was confronted by one fan in particular, considered his future.

There were fears among some of the Fratton Park hierarchy that he may quit, perhaps even during his post-match press duties, such is his explosive nature.

Meanwhile, on the Monday, Michael Doyle called a meeting for the players at the training ground to discuss the way forward.

With no coaching allowed to be present, the players exchanged honest and frank opinions, with the floor open to all.

Naturally the skipper was the driving force, but the likes of Amine Linganzi was also among those who contributed.

Cook, aware of the club being under-fire from supporters and keen to protect his squad, instructed no players would conduct pre-match interviews ahead of the following night’s trip to Crawley.

Doyle declined his manager’s request. As skipper, he wanted to face the criticism rather than, what he perceived to be, hiding

On March 7, 2017, Pompey ventured to Crawley, watched by 2,300 visiting fans – and claimed a 2-0 win through goals from Christian Burgess and Kyle Bennett.

That game launched the ‘On Our Way’ chant which would provide the soundtrack to the team’s progress for the remainder of the campaign.

Following that Crewe defeat, Cook’s men recorded a staggering 31 points from a possible 36 and claimed the League Two title on the final day following a 6-1 demolition of Cheltenham.

The Blues had led the league only for the final 32 minutes of the 2016-17 season.

They have never played the Railwaymen since. Until now.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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