Late drama sees Portsmouth battle back to earn Plymouth point

Two quickfire late Pompey goals rescued a point against Plymouth.
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Efforts from sub Ronan Curtis and James Bolton saw it finish 2-2 at Fratton Park in the latest port battle.

Kenny Jackett’s side looked down and out when two second-half efforts from Luke Jephcott put the visitors in control.

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But Pompey rallied late on to see the spoils shared, although they drop to fifth in the table.

It was the visitors who started much the brighter as Plymouth dominated in terms of both possession and territory.

They couldn’t muster a chance of note, however, and allowed Pompey to get on top as the half wore on.

A spate of Blues corners as Sean Raggett and Tom Naylor threatened changed the flow of the game.

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The best chance of the half saw Michael Cooper save well to his right to keep out Marcus Harness’ 20-yard drive.

Ronan Curtis was on the scoresheet todayRonan Curtis was on the scoresheet today
Ronan Curtis was on the scoresheet today

Ellis Harrison drove at Cooper four yards before the break after a peach of 50-yard ball from Michael Jacobs freed John Marquis.

It was goalless at the break with the game even after the restart, although Will Aimson should’ve done better with a free header from a 56th-minute corner which was at Craig MacGillivray.

Then Harrison’s drive was blocked by Jerome Opoku after a melee in the Plymouth box, before Luke Jephcott’s shot from just inside the box was deflected wide.

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Pompey were rocked with 20 minutes left as Jephcott opened the scoring with some sloppy play from Marquis and Cannon allowing Panutche Camara space. His effort ricocheted to Jephcott who poked the ball home with the Blues defence looking for an offside flag.

Then the visitors doubled their lead with eight minutes left as Pompey appealed for a penalty, after Daniels’ shot was blocked and Niall Ennis broke and crossed to allow Jephcott to tap in.

It was a deflating turn of events but the game spun back the Blues’ way with two goals in two minutes.

First Curtis chased a lost cause and smashed home a finish after cutting in along the byline.

Then Bolton was on hand to head home Harness’ cross in the 87th minute to earn a Pompey point.

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