Oli Hawkins extended Portsmouth's lead at the top of League One after his headed goal earned a narrow 1-0 win at home to Joey Barton's 10-man Fleetwood at Fratton Park.
Hawkins nodded the winner five minutes into the second half from Tom Naylor's flick-on, while the visitors had Nathan Sheron sent off after being shown a second yellow card six minutes from the end.
Although the home side created more chances in the first half, both sides failed to get an effort on target, leaving the keepers with hardly anything to do.
Pompey could have taken the lead in the 18th minute after Dion Donohue's deep free-kick was only partially cleared and Ben Thompson's fierce strike from the edge of the box went narrowly over the bar.
The Blues had another chance six minutes later but striker Hawkins sliced his shot wide of the post.
Fleetwood were caught napping at the back in the 36th minute as Hawkins stole possession but his shot from 20 yards was off target.