Quality amid late drama shouldn't go unnoticed while Portsmouth keeper debate will continue to rage

Quality shouldn’t go unnoticed

Amid the rip-roaring late action, what shouldn't go underestimated was the quality of all three of Pompey’s goal.

Despite the pressure been cranked up, the Blues didn’t just emerge from the canvas like Tyson Fury against Deontay Wilder on two occasions.

They regained their whits to shove the Grecians into the corner with two nimble combinations before delivering the knockout blow.

For the hosts’ first equaliser John Marquis displayed the guile to find Ronan Curtis with a backheel. Curtis applied the finish that was cleared off the line, before Marcus Harness stayed composed to stab home with a couple of bodies guarding the goal.

It was a marauding run from Ross McCrorie that created space for Cameron McGeehan’s equaliser in the first minute of stoppage-time.

A deft touch and the bravery to shoot with his unfavoured left boot got its reward, with the on-loan Barnsley man’s effort looping over visiting keeper Lewis Ward.

Yet Jackett’s men still remained composed, with their winner conjured not from a long punt forward that Exeter failed to clear, but a move of real swashbuckle.

Tom Naylor could have taken the simple pass with McCrorie on the right flank. Instead, the skipper played a raking crossfield ball to Curtis, whose control on the chest was sumptuous. As was the cross for Marquis, who made decent contact with his header to send PO4 into ecstasy.

Those goals up against the cosh certainly augur well for the remainder of the League One promotion push.

Keeping debate will continue

When the dust settles on the rollercoaster of a ride, one aspect the Fratton faithful may scrutinise was Exeter’s opening goal.

Visiting skipper Taylor lashed home from a corner, which perhaps Alex Bass may have done better with when initially trying to gather the deliver.

Watching back the replay, there are mitigating circumstances that Bass would be in his right to pinpoint. Just as he started his movement, it appeared he got a tug from Joel Randall, hampering the keeper’s ability to spring off his line.

Regardless, it's the first moment that could go down as an error from the fledgling stopper since coming into the starting XI on New Year's Day.

Kenny Jackett’s line-up certainly demonstrated Bass is regarded as No1. Craig MacGillivray’s two appearances this year since losing his spot have been in the EFL Trophy – yet he was snubbed for a semi-final outing.

The keeping situation has caused much debate since Jackett’s decision – especially as MacGillivray had made no glaring errors and been a consistent figure since his 2018 arrival from Shrewsbury.

In fairness, Bass didn’t cost Pompey a victory. And it’s worth bearing in mind when MacGillivray made an error against Rotherham earlier in the season, the Blues also went on to win the game and he retained his place.

Nevertheless, it fans the flames of the argument that continues to split fans.

Hawkins’ Trophy cameo penchant

It was another attacking substitute that reaped the rewards for Kenny Jackett.

A double substitution against Shrewsbury yielded a 2-0 success on Saturday, before the introduction of Oli Hawkins also sealed Pompey’s return to Wembley.

Of course, it was the striker’s cameo in last season’s final against Sunderland that proved crucial, while he was the Blues’ hero in the penalty shootout.

Certainly he has a penchant for making an impact off the bench in the competition, as he acted as the focal point that was absent after Ellis Harrison limped off injured with a dead leg.

There was some decent link-up play between Hawkins and John Marquis, building on a partnership that also caught the eye at Walsall earlier in the competition.

His physical presence gave the Grecians plenty to think about, allowing opening for the likes of Marquis and Marcus Harness.

Hawkins was slipping into the forgotten-man category before his introduction, having featured just twice this year.

It should be remembered, however, just how many points Pompey garnered when the hitman led the line last term.

While he might not be playing week in, week out it was a reminder that Hawkins’ attributes late on can prove important during the run in for the finish line.ee