New-look Blues settle for a draw
Lee Barnard’s 77th-minute header pegged back Izale McLeod’s first-half opener in front of 17,703 fans at Fratton Park.
It looked like Michael Appleton’s new-look side would get their season off to a flier in a dominant first-half.
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Hide AdBut the Cherries got back into the game late on as the Blues flagged.
McLeod’s goal after 18 minutes came courtesy of a huge gaffe from visiting keeper Shwan Jalal, as he let his 25-yard shot squirm through his legs.
Pompey should have had a second as they dominated, and McLeod missed a gilt-edged chance when clean through five minutes after the restart.
The visitors were an increasing threat, however, and got their reward for pushing Pompey back with 13 minutes left.
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Hide AdIt looked like Purbrook youngster Ashley Harris had won it late on when his 25-yarder cannoned back off the post.
A draw was probably just about the right outcome, but there were plenty of encouraging signs from Appleton’s men for the campaign ahead.