Wycombe Wanderers lost for a third consecutive game at home after they fell to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Portsmouth.

The second-half winner from Marcus Harness means the Chairboys are now winless in five in all competitions, as Gareth Ainsworth’s men continue to stall in the league.

The light and dark blue army dominated the opening 45 minutes and had the game’s first chance after 90 seconds, but Sam Vokes’ effort spooned over Alex Bass’ goal from an Anis Mehmeti cross.

Four minutes later, the home side had a brilliant chance to take the lead through an unlikely source.

Jordan Obita, who has yet to score for the Chairboys following his move from Oxford United at the start of this calendar year, crashed his shot from 12-yards onto the post after being laid off by Jason McCarthy.

With the way Wanderers started, you wouldn’t have thought they were on a run of four games without a win.

Wycombe continued to get in Portsmouth’s faces as Mehmeti again caused problems.

His mazy runs and delicious dribbles tied the Seasiders in knots, as his creative play found Brandon Hanlan, but the ex-Bristol Rovers man could only fire his effort wide.

Only 15 minutes had gone and Portsmouth were on the ropes.

Obita again tried his luck but his shot from inside the box was easily saved by Bass after 16 minutes, before a McCarthy half-volley flew over the goal.

Portsmouth just didn’t get going in the opening 45 as George Hirst had their first effort of the contest, but his shot from 20-yards trickled by past David Stockdale’s goal.

Then, following their brilliant all-round display, Wycombe were given a golden chance to take the lead as they were awarded a penalty on 25 minutes.

Mehmeti, who was making his first league start since the 3-1 away loss against Sunderland in August, was bundled over by Sean Raggett and referee Neil Hair had no option but to point to the spot.

However, Joe Jacobson’s kick was easily saved by Bass, as the Welshman fired the set-piece straight at the deputising goalkeeper.

Wanderers continued to find that elusive goal but as the half went on, Portsmouth got organised and shut down any Wycombe attacks, as both sides went into the break goalless.

The tide turned in the second period as Portsmouth got the game at the scruff of its neck, as they nearly took the lead twice inside the opening five minutes.

David Stockdale produced a great save to deny Marcus Harness after the latter was put through by George Hirst, and from the resulting corner, Raggett headed over.

The away side bossed the second period as Ronan Curtis could have given Portsmouth the lead twice in the space of a minute.

First, his cross/shot flew just wide of Stockdale’s goal before a fierce drive across the box missed the target.

However, Portsmouth did finally take the lead and Gareth Ainsworth will not be happy with the defending.

A long ball over the top found Hirst who had the freedom of the Wycombe half.

He ran a short distance and played a low cross into the box which was tapped in by the onrushing Harness.

His sixth league goal of the season caused chaotic scenes in the away end, as Portsmouth took a deserved lead.

Wycombe continued to find that goal but McCarthy hit the post, and Vokes had a header brilliant saved by Bass in the final stages, meaning it wasn't Wycombe's day.

The defeat means Wycombe are now winless in five matches, whilst Portsmouth picked up their first three points on the road since the opening day of the season. 

Wycombe remain in fourth, but the focus now moves onto the FA Cup, as Hartlepool United come to Adams Park on Tuesday night for the first round replay.