Portsmouth winger fumes at moment which could have changed face of play-off race with Charlton Athletic, Blackpool and Oxford United

The Blues were held to a 3-3 draw at the Crown Ground as John Marquis’ late, late own goal denied Danny Cowley’s side a massive victory for their top-six ambitions.

Williams rejuvenated his team after his second-half introduction and was on the scoresheet as he helped sparked a fightback, after going in 2-0 down at the break.

The Aussie had a powerful claim for a penalty turned down by ref Bobby Madley in the second half, after a tussle with Accrington defender Cameron Burgess in the box.

And Williams was adamant the referee made a bad call in a moment which could’ve changed the face of the game for his side.

He said: ‘It’s a penalty - 100 per cent.

‘I’ve taken the ball across him and he’s ran into me without touching the ball.

‘So I’ve either dived or it’s a penalty, one of the two, but he’s not given either.

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‘He didn’t say anything after, I told him he should’ve booked me if it’s not a penalty.

‘He just wasn’t having any of it.

‘Their bench went silent, the people that were here went silent and the silence was telling.

‘It’s absolutely ridiculous because at that moment it’s given and it’s a different game.

‘I can’t say too much because I’ll get into trouble, but it’s extremely frustrating because it was as clear as day.’

Williams made it clear that there were plenty of other factors Pompey could focus on besides the penalty, for failing to come away from Accrington with what would’ve been a massive three points.

But the 27-year-old took solace from the character shown which gives him cause for optimism in the chase for a top-six place.

He added: ‘I’m not saying the ref killed it for us, because we gave ourselves our own mountain to climb.

‘We didn’t deal with their threat in the first half - but we’ve shown amazing spirit and togetherness to come back.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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