The Glovers eventually went down 3-1 to the promotion chasers after Francois Zoko’s goal six minutes after the restart initially drew town level. 

Despite the loss, Way told YTFC’s official YouTube channel he was glad to have the services of Nathan Smith and Otis Khan back at his disposal after almost two and three months out respectively.

“We had Nathan on the bench and he’s been a massive part of our season. I’ve got to make sure I’ve got the group strong going into the next game.

“With that in mind, there’s no better place to bring Otis and Nathan on (than Fratton Park) so I decided to go with that.”

Khan, who’s been missing with ankle ligament injury, almost scored within minutes of coming on with an effort from range, whilst Smith completed half an hour without any aggravation of his knee injury. 

The defeat in Hampshire also saw Tom James and Brandon Goodship make their first league starts of the season, leaving Way to want his players to demonstrate why they should be awarded new contracts. 

“I thought Tom did very well considering he’s not played a lot of football all season, but to come in and play in the manner than he did, I’m extremely pleased with that. 

“Every single player that’s had an opportunity – certainly Brandon Goodship – wouldn’t have thought that, coming in from Bournemouth having been playing non-league before this. 

“I’ve been a manager having to give these players opportunities, I just hope between now and the end of the season they show their merit and their worth to be here next year and that’s what I say to them, whatever happens, I just want them to do as well as they can.”

Captain Ryan Dickson missed the trip with an ankle injury whilst Shayon Harrison was a late withdrawal through illness, both of which will be in line to return next match. Added in, the experienced head of Alex Lawless was an unused substitute at Pompey marking his return to the squad from a hamstring injury, bolstering Town’s options ahead of the busy Easter period starting with Good Friday’s trip to Newport County.