Curtis Main's goal was enough for a weakened Portsmouth team to beat a weakened Charlton side at The Valley to end a run of four straight defeats.
Saturday's disappointing defeat at Luton deprived Pompey fans a trip to Gateshead for an F.A. Cup second round tie but never has a victory in the Checkatrade Trophy felt more welcome as it has ended a losing streak which was worrying gathering the wrong kind of momentum.
It may well have been in a crappy competition but every win counts and although there won't be many fans who are too enthralled about progress in such a meaningless endeavour, it ensures that Pompey won't be making the trip to Blackpool having lost five games on the bounce.
For those who are interested, Pompey will play their first Checkatrade Trophy knockout match at home after finishing top of their group. Southampton's "famous" academy have been knocked out so there'll be no chance of a watered down South Coast derby this season.