Pompey rediscovered their winning touch with a 3-1 triumph at Lincoln to get the 2026-27 campaign up and running.
The hosts were hosting their first game back in the Championship for more than 60 years, yet John Mousinho’s men spoiled the party with a crucial result amid some excellent goals.
Ryan Kavumba-McQueen opened the scoring and then Adrian Segecic doubled their advantage with a free-kick, with Abu Kamara involved in both.
Former Blues winger Reeco Hackett pulled one back for Lincoln from the penalty spot after Zak Swanson had handled, but substitute Ebou Adams wrapped things with a stunning 25-yard strike on 69 minutes.
And here are our Pompey player ratings...
9. Ryan Kavuma-McQueen - 8 - Man of the Match
(Replaced by Josh Murphy in 58 mins) What a talent the 17-year-old looks. Lovely angled finish from the edge of the box to open the scoring and was a constant handful. Darikwa even injured himself trying to stop him. | Getty Images
.jpeg?trim=0,190,0,190&crop=&width=800)
10. Abu Kamara - 8
(Replaced by Luke Brooke-Smith on 86 mins) Still getting up to speed, yet was involved in both of Pompey’s first-half goals. It was his pass for Kavuma-McQueen to net and then won the free-kick converted by Segecic. A work in progress, but encouraging second appearance back. | Jeff Mood/ProSportsImages
11. Adrian Segecic - 8
Superb free-kick from the edge of the box to give Pompey their second goal. So bright with his movement, clever too, and at the heart of everything good about the Blues. | Stephen Flynn/ProSportsImages
12. Colby Bishop - 7
Had a running battle with the powerful Elerewe, but absolutely gave as good as he got, refusing to back down. Drew a decent save out of Wickens at the near post on the stroke of half-time. | Jeff Mood/ProSportsImages