Ipswich were beaten 2-0 at Fratton Park as relegation-battling Pompey won back-to-back Championship games for the first time since February.
At the same time, Saints beat Blackburn Rovers, who are also scrapping for survival in the league, to move within three points of Ipswich in second.
It led to supporters inside St Mary’s cheering the Portsmouth result as it was read out, despite usually celebrating when they have been thrashed.
Portsmouth defeated Southampton’s automatic promotion rivals (Image: PA)
But Eckert insists it is Saints who have, in fact, helped out John Mousinho’s side, with Blackburn falling below them in the table into 20th position.
“I don’t know why everyone says they have done us a favour, I think we’ve done them a favour with our performance,” he said. “But overall, a good day.”
Saints have played one more game than Ipswich, which means they could move to six points clear in the race for automatic promotion with a victory.
But Eckert’s side host Kieran McKenna’s fellow relegated outfit in a tantalising contest on Tuesday, April 28, after the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley.