Mark Sykes’ 50th-minute goal gave the Championship side a Fratton Park victory in a match keeper Max O’Leary was barely tested.
Nonetheless, Pompey fans can be encouraged by a second-half display operating far more on the front foot, with a couple of eye-catching performers.
Here are our Blues player ratings...
9. Anthony Scully - 8
(Replaced by Abu Kamara on 70 mins) Sprang to life in the second half, buzzing around the pitch and pressing defenders high up the pitch, dispossessing them at times. In a match of few Pompey chances, his low shot at the start of the second half stood out. Although took some very disappointing corners. Photo: Jason Brown
10. Colby Bishop - 5
(Replaced by Kusini Yengi on 63 minutes) Pre-season has been rather stop-start for last year’s leading scorer through injury and niggles, with Saturday representing his longest time on pitch. Not quite on it against the Robins, which is perhaps understandable, although his team-mates gave him little to work with in the first half. Photo: Jason Brown
11. Gavin Whyte - 6
(Replaced by Christian Saydee on 77 minutes) Has come into the friendly schedule a little later than many of his team-mates and, as a consequence, been a little hit and miss. Quality is evident, though, with a directness about his way, while seems willing to come back and defend. Photo: Jason Brown
12. Kusini Yengi - 5
(Replaced Colby Bishop on 63 minutes) Great late headed chance which was deflected for a corner. Has made an encouraging early-season impact, yet Saturday was perhaps his quietest outing so far. Has an interesting season ahead. Photo: Jason Brown