Josh Murphy's first-half goal secured a 1-0 Fratton Park triumph to put the Blues seven points above the relegation zone.
On a day when so many of their relegation rivals also won, it made the triumph even more important from a match of few goal-scoring opportunities.
And here are our Pompey player ratings...
5. Zak Swanson - 8
Absolute livewire. Playing out of position at left-back, yet still as committed as ever. Scrapped away, defensively sound and always keen to push forward, with his shot earning Pompey the corner from which Bowat scored, Photo: Simon Roe
6. John Swift - 5
(Replaced by Mark Kosznovszky on 57 mins) Poor pass in the Blackburn half, allowed the opposition to counter and break the deadlock on 36 minutes. It was a dreadful mistake, changing the complexion of the game. From that point, Swift had lost the faith of the fans. Photo: Graham Hunt
7. Andre Dozzell - 7
Unsurprisingly restored to the team in place of the suspended Pack after serving his own one-match ban and gave Blues mobility and work-rate in the centre of midfield. Doesn’t always catch the eye, but a vital cog. Photo: Graham Hunt
8. Minhyeok Yang - 5
(Replaced by Colby Bishop on 46 mins) Kept the ball well and always looking to progress, but offered very little in an attacking sense down the right flank, creating barely anything. Photo: Graham Hunt