The season-turning loss to Crewe Portsmouth are now looking to channel again

And the Blues chief executive pointed to the dark defeat to Crewe which provided the catalyst to deliver League Two title-winning success, as evidence strength can be found in difficult moments.

Pompey go to Northampton this weekend, desperately trying to find impetus as their promotion bid falters at a crucial moment.

The defeat at Doncaster on Tuesday night made it one win in five games, with five points collected from a possible 15.

That leaves the Blues now looking over their shoulders in terms of securing a play-off place this season, with around a third of the campaign to go.

Players have come out and publicly stated the unity within the Pompey camp remains strong, with Jack Whatmough and skipper Tom Naylor speaking up in recent days.

Catlin believes the mentality of Pompey’s players is key in tackling what lies ahead.

He remembered how the defining moment of the 2016-17 season wasn’t a victory but how the squad reacted to an ugly home loss to Crewe.

The 2-1 reverse at Fratton Park was followed by 10 wins from 12, which delivered the title on the final day.

Catlin said: ‘As we know, the year we came out of League Two that success was central to the defeat against Crewe at Fratton Park.

‘Sometimes in a season something can spark a great run.

‘It could be the loss in the league at Doncaster or a win in the cup against Salford, for example. It can come from both directions.

‘Results like that can affect you in a negative way or positive way.

‘It comes down to the mentality of the players.

‘As a club we want to win games and be successful, in whatever way we can achieve that.’