Ipswich legend Matt Holland believes Portsmouth did enough to win at Portman Road despite controversial late winner

The Blues edged out the Tractor Boys following a controversial extra-time winner scored by former Norwich defender Sean Raggett.

The goal, which the Pompey centre-back himself admitted was scored from an offside position, came after Jon Nolan and James Norwood cancelled out early strikes from Ronan Curtis and Tom Naylor.

At the final whistle, Ipswich boss Paul Lambert criticised some of referee Andy Haines’ decisions during the game – including the match-winner and a Rasmus Nicolaisen foul on Blues old-boy Oli Hawkins that failed to produce a penalty.

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However, Holland – who featured more than 250 times for Ipswich during a six-year stay and won promotion to the Premier League with the club in 2000 – said the visitors did enough to prove victorious.

After the hosts drew level, Ben Close had a golden opportunity to settle matters at the end of normal time.

Tom Naylor could also have scored with a header moments later.

Meanwhile, Marcus Harness hit the post with a long-range effort in extra-time, before Haji Mnoga should have scored right at the death.

Acting as a pundit for the BBC, former Republic of Ireland international Holland said he was impressed with what he saw from Kenny Jackett’s side.

He commented: ‘Portsmouth got off to an absolute flier, I thought first half they looked very good – very disciplined, organised, carried a threat.

‘They got off to a flier with that two-goal lead.

‘Ipswich did well, really, to fight their way back into the game.

‘(James) Norwood off the bench made a difference, so too (Gwion) Edwards – I thought he was lively.

‘But then, the last 10 minutes and in extra-time, Portsmouth pushed to try and find a winner.

‘They did find it, albeit through that bit of luck.’

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