January gave Richie Barker something to build on heading into February, but the opportunity wasn't taken and Portsmouth's football league future was once again plunged into uncertainty.
Terrible home matches had become regular under Barker's tenure but the worst of them may have come when struggling Torquay came to Fratton Park and won courtesy of Billy Bodin's first half strike.
The home fans turned on the team after such a turgid performance that barely saw the Gulls goalkeeper tested and the players were booed off as chants of "what a load of rubbish!" rang around the stadium.
Highlights: Portsmouth 0 Torquay United 1
The following weekend saw Pompey take on more opposition from Devon with a trip to Exeter's St. James' Park.
Jake Jervis gave the visitors the lead by poaching an early goal and both sides missed some glaring opportunities to score in the blustery conditions.
It seemed like Pompey would hold on for a valuable win but once again the spectre of the late goal would haunt the travelling fans as Liam Sercombe's deflected strike in stoppage time beat Trevor Carson via the crossbar to turn three points into one.
Highlights: Exeter City 1 Portsmouth 1
With two bad results against struggling sides, Pompey really needed a win against AFC Wimbledon the following Saturday and thankfuly it came thanks to Ryan Taylor's header in the second half.
The Dons pushed forward late on as Barker's men somehow survived a late goalmouth scramble with Sammy Moore's effort blocked on the line. The win was crucial as Pompey picked up a vital victory and fans left Fratton Park happy for a change.
Highlights: Portsmouth 1 AFC Wimbledon 0
Richie Barker made two more signings ahead of his team's next match at Scunthorpe with Toumani Diagouraga borrowed from Brentford and young Aston Villa striker Michael Drennan joining on loan for the rest of the season.
The trip to Glanford Park resulted in a horror show as David Syers grabbed a hat-trick to go with goals from Paddy Madden and Sam Winnall who all took advantage of some absolutely dreadful defending.
Drennan scored a headed consolation goal but that could not subdue the angry Pompey fans who again started calling for Richie Barker's head following the embarrassing rout.
Highlights: Scunthorpe United 5 Portsmouth 1
The pressure was on as Accrington Stanley managed by James "Scummer" Beattie were the last team to visit Fratton Park in February for a crucial relegation battle.
Thankfully, it was Pompey who won it thanks to a Jervis strike from distance that somehow beat Marcus Bettinelli very early in the second half as Barker's men also showcased some of the football they were capable of playing.
Highlights: Portsmouth 1 Accrington Stanley 0
Portsmouth finished February with 35 points from 30 games but being in 19th position in the league and only four points off the drop gave Pompey fans cause for concern heading into a tough looking March.