They had to win it - and they did. Pompey disposed of Morecambe at Fratton Park without too much trouble, easing to their second successive home league 3-0 victory to ease the pressure on Andy Awford.

Loanees Marcus Bean and Matt Fish went straight into the team and Dan Butler and Miles Storey were recalled and after a bright start, Pompey took the lead on 19 minutes.

Danny Hollands had the assist with a long throw which found Craig Westcarr and he fired in his second attempt after his first was blocked.

Pompey had the best of the rest of the half, though Morecambe did threaten Paul Jones once or twice.

And the Blues doubled their lead nine minutes into the second with a superb flying header by Jed Wallace following a fine run and cross by Storey.

Ryan Taylor was having a productive afternoon and had a couple of half-chances to make it three. But that honour fell to Wallace two minutes from time when, again, Storey was the provider - passing to Pompey's top scorer to set up his tenth of the season.

This was a much-needed victory and puts Pompey in tenth place - now can they finally sort out their away form and follow up their latest Fratton success with three points at struggling Tranmere next week?

Pompey: Jones; Fish, Robinson, Whatmough, Butler; Wallace, Bean (Atangana 90), Hollands, Storey; Westcarr, Taylor. Subs not used: Poke, Wynter, Chorley, Shorey, Close, Holmes

Referee: Gavin Ward

Attendance: 14,349 (115 away fans)

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