Kevin Nolan's first half opener proved the difference as Bolton hung on to claim sixth place in the Premiership in the face of waves of Pompey possession which saw the losers concede their first goal of the campaign.

Pompey's Zimbabwean striker Benjani was guilty of two glaring misses and Sean Davis struck a post in the first five minutes as Harry Redknapp's men failed to reclaim top spot in the Premiership from Chelsea.

Allardyce said it was the perfect antidote to what had been a trying week with a BBC documentary alleging that he accepted bungs from agents for transfers - something which has seen him sue the broadcaster.

"It has been an emotional week and this meant a lot to me because of what has gone on and because it is our first away win since December.

"We have not won since a 4-0 win away at Everton so that is particularly pleasing.

"We are short on numbers but not short on spirit. The commitment from the players is what we are all about.

"The players gave a huge effort and it was a good victory against a good Portsmouth team.

"Every Premiership game is emotionally exhausting but this one was a little bit more than usual."

It proved to be a less than fitting farewell for departing chairman Milan Mandaric who ended his seven-year association with the club following the summer takeover by Alexandre Gaydamak.

Pompey boss Harry Redknapp - who was also mentioned in the documentary - said he thought the defeat would not sour Mandaric's memories of his time at the helm.

"I think Milan will be happy with what he has achieved. I do not think he would have thought he would leave the club second in the Premiership," said Redknapp.

"But it was one of those days today. We had the chances but could not get the breaks and if I have one regret, it is that I didn't put Andy Cole on the bench.

"He's only played one game in the last six months so I thought I should go with an extra midfielder but it is easy to look back.

"We had enough chances to win the game and we should have taken one or two of them."