Ronan Curtis netted one of the goals as 3-1 win over fellow promotion-hopefuls Sunderland means that Portsmouth go into Christmas with a four-point lead at the top of League One.
The 19,402 was Fratton Park’s biggest crowd in seven years and Curtis’ 53rd minute goal proved crucial.
Gareth Evans put Portsmouth in front on 48 minutes with Sunderland reduced to ten men as Glenn Loovens was sent off for a foul on Oli Hawkins.
Republic of Ireland international Curtis, who was earlier denied by Jon McLaughlin, was lively throughout again and the St Johnston man doubled the lead when he nodded in a Hawkins cross.
Luke O’Nien pulled a goal back for Sunderland, but Ben Thompson settled the nerves of the Pompey faithful with their third goal.
Also in League One, Stephen McLaughlin came off the bench for Southend, but they fell to a 2-1 loss to Rochdale at Roots Hall.
Conrad Logan was in goal for Mansfield as they came from behind to overcome Stevenage 2-1 at the Lamex in League Two, with Tyler Walker scoring twice for Mansfield.
Shane Blaney was an unused substitute for Doncaster who played out a dramatic two-all League Two draw with Oxford.
Letterkenny man Dale Gorman played the final 11 minutes for Leyton Orient as they defeated Chesterfield 3-1 and they also go into Christmas with a four-point lead at the top of their standings.
In Scotland, Carl McHugh was in the Motherwell side, but they lost 1-0 at home to St Mirren, Simeon Jackson netting the only goal of the game in the 68th minute.
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