Despite what Laws labelled a 'poor performance', an Akpo Sodje brace was enough to pull the Iron out of the relegation places.
"Credit to the players because they didnt play well today.
"It was probably the one of our worst games since the New Year but the belief is important", Laws told BBC Radio Humberside.
"Wins are wins and we have got to get them.
"I am delighted that we got the win, but it wasnt pleasant and we've played better"
Laws singled out Akpo Sodje for praise after missing a bundle of chances at the weekend at Crewe.
A header in each half cancelled out a stunning free kick on the stroke of half time from Portsmouth's Liam Walker.
"Im delighted for a couple of people particuarly Sodje.
"Hopefully that will kick him on to get some more goals for us.
"We know that we weren't as good as we have been but sometimes you've got to scrap them out.
"We have to keep believing that we are going to win games and make it a tough place to come"
The Iron boss confirmed replacing Andy Barcham with Mike Grella at the break was a tactical change and that Akpo Sodje was playing through illness.
Free audio courtesy of BBC Radio Humberside will be online shortly.
