The Blues had led through Josh Murphy’s third-minute goal, albeit taking a heavy deflection on the way into the net after Paddy Lane had teed him up.
Will Norris then pulled off several good saves before Pompey fan Tommy Leigh levelled on 62 minutes as the match finished all square.
Pompey used 18 players, of which six were introduced in the 79th minute, as John Mousinho’s preferred starting XI becomes clearer – and here are our Blues player ratings...
5. Ryley Towler - 7
In the absence of the injured McIntyre, Towler partnered Shaughnessy in the centre of defence in the partnership which finished the previous season at Lincoln. Tested at times by Leigh, but did well overall. Photo: Jason Brown
6. Connor Ogilvie - 7
A couple of good overlapping runs in the first half and demonstrated his usual defensive robustness. One awful second-half pass inside was capitalised by Carroll, but the resulting shot was straight at Norris. Photo: Jason Brown
7. Marlon Pack - 7
Dictated Pompey’s player as ever, focusing operating from deep. Early in the second half went chest to chest with fellow Pompey lad Tommy Leigh before the referee intervened. Photo: Gary Oakley
8. Tom Lowery - 7
(Replaced by Owen Moxon on 79 mins) Interesting to see him get the nod ahead of Moxon to partner Pack in the centre of midfield. Barely misplaced a pass all night and always attempting to get the Blues ticking. Photo: Jason Brown/ProSportsImages