Stalemate at Crewe as Pompey's wait for a win continues

In an entertaining game at Gresty Road, the visitors were unable to unlock their hosts, who posed plenty of problems at the other end of the pitch.

The Blues started brightly, with Carl Baker raising hopes of a memorable away day by firing over in the opening 30 seconds.

He also had an effort saved by keeper Ben Garratt on eight minutes as the visitors seized the early initiative.

But despite Milan Lalkovic and make-shift left-back Kal Naismith looking lively, they were unable to build on their early running.

The home side came into it miday into the first half, with Chris Dagnall and Billy Bingham threatening.

Burgess then inadvertantly set up Ryan Lowe 40 yards from goal but he opted to shot first time rather than run in on goal and his effort went wide.

The hosts continued to threaten as hallf-time near, but both sides went in goalless at half-time.

The second period proved another lively affair, with both sides going for it.

Michael Doyle and substitute Curtis Main had the Blues’ best chances, while Bingham also tried his luck, along with the impressive Alex Kiwomya.

However, there was no way through for either side as both had to settle for a share of the points.

Pompey will be disappointed they were unable to claim victory, and will also be concerned about Jack Whatmough, who limped off midway through the second half with an injury.