by Jordan A Jones
CRAIG MacGillivray’s own-goal gifted Bristol Rovers a late point after battling from two goals down.
The goalkeeper’s 93rd-minute howler gave Rovers their first point in three games after Alex Rodman began the comeback in the 77th minute.
Gareth Evans’ first-half spot-kick and Ronan Curtis’ 70th-minute header had given Portsmouth a two-goal advantage but Kenny Jackett’s side let their lead slip.
The visitors went ahead in the ninth minute with Gareth Evans putting the visitors in front from the spot. Evans powerfully dispatched his penalty past Anssi Jaakola after John Marquis was pushed by Luke Leahy.
Marquis then tested Rovers’ defence again as he hit a powerful half-volley after latching onto Ben Close’s pass but Jaakola held his effort.
A finger-tip save from Craig MacGillivray deflected Ed Upson’s 20-yard-strike past the post as Rovers sought an equaliser.
Straight out of the dressing room Rovers had a call for a penalty. Luke Leahy’s shot was blocked by Ross McCorbie with Darren Handley deeming it a valid block.
A last-ditch tackle looked to have denied Tyler Smith a certain equaliser but Portsmouth had the benefit of the linesman’s offside flag.
Rovers’ man-of-the-match Abu Ogogo was determined to level proceedings and almost did as Rodman’s cross sliced just off his head.
Graham Coughlin’s side began to overplay in attacking areas with Portsmouth the more composed on the hour. Pirates skipper Tony Craig provided some heroics as he denied Ben Close’s driven volley, throwing himself into the fierce shot.
Rovers’ lack of creativity proved costly as Marquis was involved in a Portsmouth goal again. His well-hit cross was nodded in by Curtis from yards out.
Rodman pulled one back to provide a grandstand finish. Portsmouth failed to clear their lines and the 32-year-old pounced to stroke it past MacGillivray.
The Memorial Stadium turned into a sea of ecstasy as Rovers were rewarded for their late efforts. In the last minute of stoppage time, substitute Liam Sercombe whipped in a corner-kick and Rangers loanee Ross McCorie touched the ball onto the crossbar before the ball deflected off the back of MacGillivray.
Portsmouth leave Bristol with just one away win all season whilst Rovers earn their first point in three after losing to Bolton last Tuesday. Graham Coughlin’s side travel to Rochdale next week.
Bristol Rovers: Anssi Jaakkola, Abu Ogogo, Tony Craig (C), (Mark Little 79), Ed Upson (Kyle Bennett 88), Ollie Clarke (Liam Sercombe 70), Luke Leahy, Alfie Kilgour, Tom Davies, Tyler Smith, Vicor Adeboyejo, Alex Rodman
Portsmouth: Craig MacGillivray, Lee Brown, Tom Naylor (C), Christian Burgess, Ryan Williams, John Marquis (Ellis Harrison 90), Ross McCorbie, Ronan Curtis, Sean Raggett, Gareth Evans, Ben Close
