The Pompey players produced a battling display against the U’s after seeing Joe Morrell sent off on 16 minutes for a foul on Cameron Brannagan.
Moment earlier, Michael Jacobs cancelled out Luke McNally’s seventh-minute opener.
And after Ronan Curtis had given the 10-men Blues a 51st-minute lead, Blue hearts were broken when the hosts scored an equaliser eight minutes from time through Brannagan, before Nathan Holland got the winner six minutes into injury time.
5. Kieron Freeman - 7
(Replaced by Clark Robertson on 60 minutes): Far more comfortable in a wing-back role and claimed assist. Unfortunate to suffer injury. Photo: JPIMedia
6. Joe Morrell - 5
(Sent off 16 minutes): WIll count himself unfortunate for dismissal but foot was high. Photo: The News
7. Louis Thompson - 7
(Replaced by Ryan Tunnicliffe on 71 minutes): Took the challenge in the absence of Morrell and was pivotal. Photo: The News
8. Denver Hume - 7
(Replaced by Reeco Hackett on 90+5 minutes): Wasn’t able to attack too much for obvious reasons, but defended well. Photo: The News