‘Another level’: How Southampton midfielder inspired Portsmouth south-coast derby fightback

The Blues came from behind to snare a 1-1 draw against their fierce rivals, in a highly-charged clash at Fratton Park.

Southampton opened the scoring in the second half through Leo Scienza, before the atmosphere at a bearpit Fortress Fratton was ramped up as Downes sparked a melee when flying into Swanson.

The defender saluted the intensity of the home crowd and felt the clash saw the heat rise at PO4, with Ebou Adams levelling with 13 minutes remaining.

Swanson said: ‘It’s a fiery affair and it was a bit of naughty tackle, to be honest. It is what it is, though, and that’s what the game entails.

‘The fans were even more up for it from that moment and it was almost a little spark. I didn’t try to make it that, but after that we went on to score the equaliser.

‘The Pompey fans are so supportive of the group, so we try to recreate that spirit on the pitch. We needed to do that because we’re playing for the fans.

‘The atmosphere was always going to be there and they showed that for us today.

‘To be honest, we’re disappointed not to win it but the lads showed great character to get back in it after being 1-0 down.

‘But the atmosphere and the day as a whole you could feel the intensity, so we really wanted to win the game and we’re disappointed not to.

‘When we went to the away game down there all you could hear was our fans, and we know what this place is like.

‘Everyone who’s played here knows what this place is like and I’ve been here a few years now. This was just another level though, another level of what it really is.

‘This is one of the best atmospheres I’ve experience at Fratton Park, it’s right up there - right up there.’

Pompey played with energy and purpose from the outset in a full-throttle clash, pushing Southampton back in the first half - though the visitors had the two clearest chances through Adam Armstrong.

The Blues teetered after falling behind in the 57th minute, before gradually finding their feet again, grabbing the leveller and finishing on the front foot.

Swanson felt Southampton afforded his side respect with their approach to the game.

He added: ‘They were playing it long, they didn’t come to play.

‘They obviously knew what we’re about here and didn’t want us to get that high press going, so they changed their plan from what they normally do.

‘That’s a compliment to us, because a lot of teams have done that this year - but we need to get to the next step of winning games when teams are like that.’