Portsmouth manager Andy Awford called for unity after his side's two-month winless run was extended by a 2-1 defeat at home to Southend United.
The promotion-chasing Blues came from behind to snatch the points thanks to goals from Ryan Leonard and Joe Piggott after Adam Webster had given struggling Pompey an early lead in a contest which featured two late dismissals, one for either side.The defeat heaps the pressure on Awford after chairman Iain McInnes described the game as a "must win" in his pre-match programme notes.
Defiant Awford said: "It was another frustrating afternoon. There was not a lot in the game and it is fine margins.
"I don't think we deserved to win but we are disappointed to be beaten.
"Getting in front was big for us and the stats tell you the team that score the first goal usually go on and win but their goals knocked the stuffing out of us.
"We have to keep believing it will turn and that things will go for us. We have to stick together like glue, everybody in the dressing room and for the club.
"We have not won in an awful long time. It is a tough time for everybody and we have to start turning half-decent performances into results.
"I understand there is a pressure that comes with being a manager and I take full responsibility for the team."