Portsmouth continued their strong recent form with a 1-0 victory at Cambridge.

They had to withstand heavy pressure in the first half and did not create an opening themselves during the first hour.

Liam Bennett headed James Brophy’s deep cross wide at the far post on 16 minutes, before Michael Morrison headed Conor McGrandles’ corner over.

The big chance of the half came five minutes before the break when Jack Lankester played Sam Smith through on goal, but he could only fire wide of the post across the onrushing Matt Macey.

In the opening stages of the second period, Lankester teed up Joe Ironside to fire straight at Macey and then Bennett fizzed an effort wide from distance.

When Portsmouth did finally create, Dimi Mitov did well to parry Owen Dale’s effort away on 64 minutes, but the visitors did go ahead immediately afterwards when Dale’s cross was headed in at the back post by Colby Bishop.

Cambridge saw penalty shouts for a handball waved away as they were unable to respond.