John Mousinho’s men raced into a 2-0 lead against Northampton after 16 minutes through goals from Connor Ogilvie and Paddy Lane, while Colby Bishop missed a penalty.
There was controversy after the break when Tom McIntyre was harshly sent off, yet the 10-man Blues went on to score twice more, through Lane’s second and Callum Lang.
A thunderous strike from Marc Leonard provided an 89th-minute consolation for the Cobblers, but this was Pompey’s day – and here our our player ratings...
9. Callum Lang - 9
(Replaced by Jack Sparkes on 75 mins) - A new hero has arrived. Played centrally as a number 10 and had rather a quiet first-half - yet was sensational after the break. Intercepted a Northampton free-kick at the opposite end of the pitch to create the third goal, then a stunning right-footed volley for the fourth. Energetic, direct and never stops. Superb. Photo: Jason Brown
10. Myles Peart-Harris - 7
(Replaced by Sean Raggett on 57 mins) - Used on the left flank for the first time by Pompey and won a first-half penalty, which was missed by Colby Bishop. Again some lovely touches and always so positive on the ball, driving forwards. Was brought off in order to introduce a defender following McIntyre’s dismissal. Photo: Jason Brown
11. Colby Bishop - 7
During the first half, suffered the agony of a disallowed goal and missing successive Fratton Park penalties. However, it was a better display than in recent weeks and absolutely ran himself into the ground, especially with the numerical disadvantage. Photo: Bryn Lennon
12. Portsmouth forward Colby Bishop (9) during the EFL Sky Bet League 1 match between Portsmouth and Northampton Town at Fratton Park, Portsmouth, England on 3 February 2024.
Pompey's Colby Bishop on the attack against Northampton. Picture: Jason Brown/ProSportsImages Photo: Jason Brown