The block that won the plaudits of a Portsmouth favourite - and Bristol City loanee's Plymouth performance will prove a valuable learning curve

It was the sort of goal-line clearance that made Christian Burgess a fans' favourite at Fratton Park.
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The sort of goal-line clearance supporters frequently witnessed during his four-year spell on the south coast.

But watching his old club from his new Belgium surroundings, this time it was Burgess dishing out the Pompey defensive plaudits.

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'What a block that is' with a clapping emoji was what the defender wrote on Twitter after Cam Pring's crucial clearance at Plymouth.

The on-loan Bristol City sublimely thwarted Ryan Hardie's effort from point-blank range that looked destined to double the Pilgrims' advantage.

And, to his relief, Pring made amends for his earlier error that gifted the home side their breakthrough on 11 minutes.

Sure, Rasmus Nicolaisen was caught sauntering out of position, while Sean Raggett was the one to turn Frank Nouble's cross-shot into his own net.

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But, ultimately, it was Pring's misplaced header that handed Plymouth their opening.

Cam Pring in action at Plymouth. Picture: Graham HuntCam Pring in action at Plymouth. Picture: Graham Hunt
Cam Pring in action at Plymouth. Picture: Graham Hunt

In truth, it was the nadir of a forgettable opening 45 minutes from the left-back – although he wasn't the only one whose performance was sub-standard.

The nous of seasoned-veterans Nouble and Joe Edwards gave Pring a tough task defensively and scarcely gave him a chance to display his attacking qualities he was brought to Pompey for.

When the Blues had a rare free-kick just outside the area before the break, the ex-Walsall man's delivery was unpalatable.

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Kenny Jackett remained his usual, composed self on the touchline after witnessing the cross run out of play at the back post. But given how much attention he puts on set-pieces, one can only imagine the Pompey boss was incensed on the inside.

But fair play to the 22-year-old for showing the resolve to bounce back in the second period.

When Hardie's shot was smashed goalbound, it appeared at first glance that Craig MacGillivray had pulled off a magnificent save.

Replays clearly showed the keeper was beaten, yet Pring's sliding block saved the day. Had that gone in, it could have been game over for Pompey.

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And let’s not forget it was also the Cheltenham-born man's corner that Jack Whatmough headed onto Kelland Watts' arm to win Pompey a penalty to equalise via John Marquis. The quality of his delivery was markedly better than in the first period.

Overall, the Home Park draw should prove valuable learning experience for Pring in what was only his fourth League One appearance.

However, with the experience vice-skipper Brown likely to be back fit for Saturday's visit of Crewe, he’s likely to find himself back among the substitutes.