Portsmouth 2-2 Derby County: League One’s top two play out thrilling draw at Fratton Park

Owen Moxon’s beautiful strike rescued some extent for Portsmouth in an exhilarating draw with League One promotion rivals Derby.

Ward scored for the second time earlier than the break to present Derby the lead once more however substitute Moxon struck from vary within the second half to make it 2-2.

A five-point hole stays between the 2 sides with John Mousinho’s leaders having a sport in hand on Paul Warne’s second-placed Rams.

A rocking Fratton Park rose for League One’s high two sides forward of the sport, the rain swirling within the floodlights earlier than kick-off.

Mousinho’s facet rode the Fratton wave early on, having fun with spells of possession and having various pictures however not forcing Joe Wildsmith right into a save of observe.

Derby struck within the twenty third minute after Corey Blackett-Taylor drove powerfully into Portsmouth’s ultimate third and launched Ward on the fitting.

He was medical along with his end into the underside left-hand nook of Will Norris’ web for his first purpose since becoming a member of Derby final summer time.

However the hosts levelled virtually instantly with a stunning group transfer that noticed Colby Bishop flick the ball into the trail of Kamara who stayed composed to chop inside and hearth residence.

Ten minutes earlier than half-time, Ward scored his second of the sport to place Derby in entrance once more, hanging from distance with assistance from a deflection.

Portsmouth ought to have equalised shortly as soon as once more however Christian Saydee sliced over the bar from lower than 10 yards out.

The Rams’ risk on the break continued into the second half with Portsmouth having nearly all of the ball however Warne’s facet utilizing the tempo of Blackett-Taylor on the counter.

Nevertheless, Portsmouth rescued some extent within the 77th minute as substitute Moxon thumped residence from all of 25 yards, celebrating wildly with the Fratton devoted.

There was extra drama to return as Pompey substitute Tino Anjorin went down within the field late on with huge cries for a penalty however referee Will Finnie was not happy there was sufficient contact to warrant a spot-kick.

Portsmouth supervisor John Mousinho, chatting with BBC Radio Solent:

“It was a reasonably good performances towards a extremely good facet, we take the purpose and let’s comply with it up with a win on the weekend.

“The primary purpose was an excellent transfer, I am actually happy with that and the second purpose.

“The penalty shout seemed stonewall for me involving Tino Anjorin however regardless we now have put ourselves in a extremely good place with the consequence.”

Derby boss Paul Warne to BBC Radio Derby:

“Usually I am actually happy with some extent. I feel we went toe-to-toe fairly nicely.

“That one level may very well be the distinction come the top of the season.

“A draw’s in all probability a good consequence, however if you’ve bought a lead like that, it is disappointing to lose it to a screamer like that which might’ve gone anyplace.

“I am happy for Joe Ward. He is actually come into his personal within the final couple of months.”