Nonetheless, there was an encouraging end to proceedings at London Road with the substitute entrances of Reeco Hackett and Michael Jacobs helping drive a good finish for the Blues.
Still, it was a defeat, with the visitors poor for large parts of the game, failing to repeat previous wins over Exeter and Fleetwood under their new head coach – and here are our player ratings...
1. Goal, Portsmouth forward Abu Kamara (25) scores, Portsmouth 2-1 Peterborough United, Portsmouth forward Christian Saydee (15) during the EFL Sky Bet League 1 match between Portsmouth and Peterborough United at Fratton Park, Portsmouth, England on 2 September 2023.
Abu Kamara celebrates with Christian Saydee after netting Pompey's second goal against Peterborough. Picture: Jason Brown/ProSportsImages Photo: Jason Brown
2. Will Norris - 7
Had very little to do in the second half, although produced one excellent stoppage-time save. Will overlook how he almost got caught in possession around the same period. Overall, good distribution once again and not afraid to come off his line. Photo: Jason Brown
3. Zak Swanson - 8
(Replaced by Alex Robertson on 90 minutes) First league start since February and produced a strong showing. Bounced back after being outwitted by Jones for Posh’s opener and put in some good crosses from right-back, including one on the outside of his boot which was clawed off the line by Bilokapic. Photo: Jason Brown
4. Regan Poole - 8
Been the signing of the season so far and how he must have relished grabbing Pompey’s third right in front of the Fratton End when sliding home Kamara’s delivery. Aggressive, positive and tigerish, become such a key part of the Blues. Photo: Jason Brown