Relief! The pressure was building on Pompey after only two wins from their opening three league games - but they lifted it with a late Gary Roberts double that downed Colchester.

Roberts buried an 80th-minute penalty then quickly added a second to clinch their opening victory of the campaign.

It was no more than Pompey deserved but the longer the game went on, the more it looked like ending up another frustrating afternoon for the Fratton faithful.

Boss Paul Cook made one change to the starting line-up, with Curtis Main replacing the out-of-form Michael Smith up front.

Pompey had the lion's share of the possession early on but didn't have too many chances to show for it.

Main sent a volley narrowly wide and Carl Baker headed the wrong side of the post as Pompey kicked towards the Fratton end in the first half.

The best chance of the first half was a double one in the last few minutes - Roberts set up Main and when his shot was saved, the rebound fell to Danny Rose and his shot was also blocked.

It had been Pompey's half but there were a few signs of discontent among the home support at the break after their inability to open the scoring.

The Blues also started the second half well but a sense of desperation crept into the play the longer the game went on without a goal. At least Colchester raely threatened David Forde's goal - yet another side who seemed to happy to come to the south coast and play for 0-0.

Kyle Bennett and Main made way for Conor Chaplin and Noel Hunt around the hour mark and the crowd signalled their approval.

Forde did have to make one decent save as Colchester broke midway through the half before normal service and Pompey possession was restored.

Ten minutes to go, and Fratton erupted in joy and relief in equal measure when Roberts hammered a penalty straight down the middle after he had been tripped by Drey Wright.

Four minutes later Roberts made sure of the points and of that important first win of the season whn he ran on to a lovely pass by Chaplin and lifted the ball over the keeper.

Forde had one more bit of work to do but was alert to deny Chris Porter and Doug Loft and protect the clean sheet.

Pompey rise to 14th in the table and head to Exeter next Saturday.

Pompey: Forde; Talbot, Burgess, Barton, Stevens; Rose (Linganzi 86), Doyle; Evans, Roberts, Bennett (Hunt 62); Main (Chaplin 62). Subs not used: O’Brien, T.Davies, Evans, Lalkovic

Referee: Charles Breakspear

Attendance: 15,967 (442 away fans)

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