Sean Raggett grabbed two – the second a stunner – while Terry Devlin also netted, but they should have been well out of sight against the 10-man Fulham Under-21s.
The brilliance of goalkeeper Alex Borto and poor finishing prevented them bagging many more, nonetheless it was still a highly-encouraging attacking display.
Here are our Pompey player ratings from an entertaining game...
13. Portsmouth midfielder Koby Mottoth (35) during the EFL Trophy match between Portsmouth and Fulham at Fratton Park, Portsmouth, England on 22 August 2023.
Debutant Koby Mottoh fires in a first-half shot against Fulham Under-21s. Picture: Jason Brown/ProSportsImages Photo: Jason Brown
14. Anthony Scully - 6
(Replaced Christian Saydee on 62 minutes) One wild volley over the bar as he became another of Pompey’s players who couldn’t finish off the plucky Cottagers. Photo: Jason Brown
15. Alex Robertson - 7
(Replaced Paddy Lane on 62 minutes) Was left scratching his head that he didn't score after Fulham's keeper kept him out. And when Robertson did beat him, he struck the post. Photo: Jason Brown
16. Portsmouth forward Paddy Lane (32) during the EFL Trophy match between Portsmouth and Fulham at Fratton Park, Portsmouth, England on 22 August 2023.
Paddy Lane made his first Pompey start of the season in the EFL Trophy against Fulham Under-21s. Picture: Jason Brown/ProSportsImages Photo: Jason Brown