Marcus Harness hails Portsmouth's never-say-die attitude - and reveals the Blues player who was always confident they'd beat Exeter amid late drama

The Blues clinched a 3-2 victory over Exeter in a rip-roaring finish to the EFL Trophy semi-final at Fratton Park.

All five goals arrived after the 79th minute – with Kenny Jackett's side twice battling from behind and netting the winner in the 96th minute.

Jake Taylor broke the deadlock for the Grecians before Harness levelled parity.

Then Christian Burgess’ own goal appeared to put the visitors into the final, but there was to be more late drama.

Cameron McGeehan equalised a minute into stoppage-time before John Marquis' header in the dying embers ensured Pompey will head back to the national stadium and defend the trophy they won last year.

Harness wasn't firmly a believer the Blues would go on to win the clash when Burgess turned into his own net on 87 minutes.

But the winger revealed late hero Marquis was always optimistic.

Harness said: ‘It was a kick in the teeth when the second goal went in.

‘With it being so late, the reaction was unbelievable and I’m so happy.

‘All the lads have it our all and I’m so happy. It’s not that I didn't fancy us but it was just a big kick in the teeth.

‘There was a never-say-die attitude. John Marquis said he knew it, he just had a feeling we were going to win even though it was 2-1. He knew it and he got the goal.’