The winning feeling - so familiar in February but notable by its absence so far in March - returned to Pompey as they dented Luton's promotion hopes with a 2-0 win at Fratton Park.

Matt Tubbs set the tone with a third-minute goal before Ryan Taylor continued his rich vein of form with the second after the break.

With Pompey just eight points off the play-offs the result has got some talking about a late push for the play-offs, but the Blues may find the games run out before they can gatecrash the top seven.

Josh Passley was out injured and Andy Barcham was the surprise choice to replace him.

Pompey were ahead in just three minutes as Jed Wallace sent a ball into the box which was met by Tubbs on the volley, the shot giving Luton keeper Elliot Justham not a chance.

The Blues failed to build on that early lead despite an excellent atmosphere created by a crowd of more than 17,000.

Wallace and Barcham both tested the Hatters, who were working hard but didn't look like a side who have been in the promotion frame all season.

Pompey almost started the second half as they had started the first, with Wallace setting up Tubbs - but Justham got there first.

Then Luton had their best spell of the game. Paul Robinson and James Dunne both blocked on-target efforts and Luke Guttridge failed to test Paul Jones with a free-kick.

There was relief on 62 minutes when Taylor got the second. Wallace was the supplier again with a cross the Luton defence couldn't get clear, and Taylor slammed in the loose ball.

Robinson came to the rescue again with a brave block that left him having to go off with a head wound - Adam Webster replaced him.

Danny East got a warm ovation when he came on for Barcham and Tubbs and Taylor both had chances to make it three.

Dan Butler cleared a late Luton header off the line and Pompey were able to celebrate their first win in four.

Can they build on it with a second straight win when Cheltenham come to town on Tuesday?

Pompey (3-5-2): Jones; Devera, Robinson (c) (Webster 72), Whatmough; Barcham (East 79), Dunne, Wallace, Hollands, Butler; Tubbs, Taylor (Westcarr 85). Subs not used: Bass, Fogden, Atangana, Chaplin

Referee: Darren Drysdale

Att: 17,149 (2,680 away fans)

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