Three points. That is what the table records, and for Portsmouth supporters that has to be enough. But if you were inside Fratton Park on Wednesday night, or watching with a tight chest somewhere else, you will know the 3-2 win over Sheffield United came with a serious health warning attached.

A numerical advantage wasted, again

Sheffield United were reduced to ten men during the match, and Portsmouth led 2-0. What followed was, by any honest measure, a collapse in slow motion. Pompey allowed their opponents back level at 2-2, and the anxiety inside the ground was palpable. According to one supporter's account published on BBC Sport, it would be hard to find "two worse back-to-back 45-minute periods against ten men" across Portsmouth's last two fixtures. That is a damning assessment, and it is difficult to argue with.

The pattern is becoming a concern rather than an isolated blip. A side with a numerical advantage ought to be able to manage the game, control possession and protect a lead. Portsmouth have struggled to do either on more than one occasion this season, and the manager and coaching staff will know it.

There was also criticism of the first half before Portsmouth's opening goal, with the fan view being that the performance fell short even before accounting for the emotional hangover of a south coast derby just four days earlier.

Reasons to be encouraged

The saving grace, and it is a genuine one, was Portsmouth's response at 2-2. Rather than retreating into anxiety, the side found another gear. The supporter's account noted a "newfound impetus" that felt different from earlier in the season, when Portsmouth would go through passages of play where a goal felt impossible. On Wednesday, even at 2-2 against ten men, there was a sense the winner was coming. It did come, and that matters.

Individual performances also provided cause for optimism. Ryan Kavuma-McQueen, just 17 years old, continued what is becoming a remarkable breakthrough campaign. Zak Swanson delivered what was described as a top-drawer display, and Jojo Dia produced what his supporters consider his best showing in a Portsmouth shirt so far. If those three can maintain that level, Portsmouth have something worth building on.

The schedule offers no breathing room

Portsmouth have no time to dwell on the nerves or the positives. A third match in six days follows, away at Norwich, before a midweek trip to Wolverhampton. That is a gruelling run of fixtures, and the defensive frailties exposed against Sheffield United will need addressing sharply. Opponents will have watched Wednesday night and noted that a lead against Portsmouth is not necessarily a safe one, but also that a Portsmouth lead is not necessarily safe either.

For Sheffield United, the defeat is another setback in what has been a difficult period. They will point to the fact they were a man down and still drew level, which at least demonstrates character. But a second-tier campaign requires points as well as character, and they left Fratton Park with none.

Three points, one caveat

The Championship is unforgiving. Three points against Sheffield United, however they were gathered, keeps Portsmouth's season moving in the right direction. But the manner of this win, surrendering a 2-0 lead at home with the opposition down to ten men, is the sort of thing a manager circles on the training-ground whiteboard and does not let go of quickly. The supporters have noticed. It would be surprising if the coaching staff have not.

Norwich away is next. Pompey need to look more convincing getting there.

Frequently asked

What was the score when Portsmouth beat Sheffield United?
Portsmouth won 3-2 at Fratton Park. They led 2-0 but conceded twice to make it 2-2 before finding a winner.
Who stood out for Portsmouth against Sheffield United?
Teenage winger Ryan Kavuma-McQueen, right back Zak Swanson, and forward Jojo Dia all received praise, with Dia said to have produced his best performance in a Portsmouth shirt.
When is Portsmouth's next Championship fixture?
Portsmouth travel to Norwich next, which is their third game in six days, followed by a midweek away trip to Wolverhampton.