Guy Whittingham is convinced Pompey are slowly turning the corner following consecutive draws.
Liam Walker’s penalty 12 minutes from time secured a point for the Blues against Carlisle on Saturday.
The result ensured the hosts continued to build on the goalless draw at Hartlepool last Tuesday night.
Regardless, Hartlepool’s last-gasp victory at Leyton Orient condemned Whittingham’s men to the bottom of League One for the first time this season.
But after witnessing the 1-1 draw against the Cumbrians, the caretaker boss believes there are encouraging signs Pompey are beginning to get things right.
He said: ‘We are just starting to turn that corner, maybe.
‘It’s not a 90-degree bend, it’s probably a 179-degree bend that we’ve got but it’s good to get unbeaten in two games.
‘No matter what, when you are on a run like this confidence is bound to be low.
‘To avoid defeat just gives you something to build on.
‘We have always been in games.
‘That’s the final vital thing – to remain competitive all the way through.
‘With hard work, intelligence, endeavour, good organisation and discipline you will get points out of games.
‘And that is what we did on Saturday.
‘It’s always that fine balance.
‘Staying disciplined at the back and making sure you don’t concede – and how much you pour forward and try to take games to the opposition.
‘But first and foremost we must be hard to beat.’