Accrington boss heaps praise on Portsmouth fans '“ again

Kenny Jackett's side were accompanied by 1,163 supporters for the journey to Lancashire.

The 544-mile round trip represents one the Blues' longest away days of the season.

But that didn't stop the travelling Fratton faithful coming out in force for what was Pompey's ninth fixture away from home already this campaign.

Their loyalty was rewarded to an extent, with the Blues managing a 1-1 draw with the high-flying Accy to retain their place at the top of the table.

Oli Hawkins opened the scoring on 62 minutes, before Michael Ihiekwe equalised for the hosts two minutes later.

Meanwhile, Pompey were given a scare when Accrington were awarded a first-half penalty, only for Craig MacGillivray to save Billy Kee's sport-kick.

That particular moment gave the away fans something to cheer about, with the Blues often lacking conviction in front of goal themselves.

And their contribution to the atmosphere at the Crown Ground was once again something Coleman was struck by.

Last week Coleman said Blues supporters were '˜proper' fans for the way they've stuck by the club.

Speaking to Accrington's official website, he said: '˜It (the atmosphere) was fantastic.

'I've gone on record to say how much I like the Portsmouth fans and how they're proper football people.

'You know, the way they treat you here and when you go away to Portsmouth, too, they treat you well.

'˜Their fans are very educated football people, they don't see things through one eye, which in recent weeks we've probably experienced that away from home, so they don't see it with tinted glasses.

'˜Our fans were magnificent as well, so it was a good atmosphere and I don't think many of the fans will be going home disappointed.'