by Callum Ellis
GRAHAM Coughlan hailed his side’s character after Bristol Rovers came from two goals down to salvage a point against Portsmouth.
A first-half penalty from Gareth Evans and Ronan Curtis’ header 20 minutes from time looked to have condemned the Gas to their third consecutive league defeat.
But Alex Ronan’s effort and a stoppage-time own goal from Pompey goalkeeper Craig MacGillivray ensured the spoils were shared at the Memorial Stadium.
“I was quite disappointed that we were 2-0 down to be honest,” said Coughlan.
“In the first half they had a 10-minute spell where they could have scored and Anssi (Jaakkola) pulled off a great save. But other than that, I thought they were playing counter-attacking football.
“I thought we were very good and worthy of a point. If there had been another few minutes on that clock, you just never know because we were in the ascendancy.
“I have to say I’m proud as punch for them because of their character and resilience in the face of adversity.”
Coughlan was left furious when referee Darren Handley pointed to the spot with nine minutes on the clock after Luke Leahy was adjudged to have pushed John Marquis.
He admitted neither side warranted a penalty throughout the 90 minutes but called for consistency from the officials.
“I don’t think anyone in the ground could see it,” he added. “I don’t even think the Portsmouth players and fans knew what it was for.
“As I said to the referee and the linesman, if they’re going to give penalties for that then I’ve no problem with that.
“I don’t like jumping off the bench and asking for soft penalties. It has to be a proper penalty in my eyes, but if he’s going to give a decision like that down one end, we want the same treatment at the other end.
“There was three or four occasions where Abu Ogogo was pushed over and we could have claimed a penalty.
“Let me be honest, neither [of the challenges on] Abu Ogogo or that one [on Marquis] was a penalty, but if he’s going to give it one end, I want it the other end.
“I just want consistency.”
Substitute Liam Sercombe was introduced with 19 minutes left on the clock and delivered the corner which led to the home side’s last-gasp equaliser.
It was the midfielder’s first appearance back in the side since sustaining an injury in Rovers’ 1-0 win over MK Dons last month, and the former Exeter City man earned the plaudits of his manager.
“I was looking for 10 or 15 minutes off him but I had to throw him in earlier because he brings a lot of quality.
“Liam is a really good player and we just need to build up his minutes now to get him back fit.
“He’s a big player for this football club.”
