Pompey Earn Tractor Boys Replay

Last updated : 09 January 2016 By Jim Bonner

Portsmouth very nearly earned an excellent win at Portman Road but ultimately had to settle for a 2-2 draw and a replay following a goalkeeping error from Brian Murphy.

You can watch the highlights here but they won't show how dominant Paul Cook's men were in possession having had 74% of the ball by the time the first half ended. Marc McNulty and Adam McGurk missed great chances to give Pompey the lead, too.

The second half saw the hosts take the lead when Brett Pitman forced a save from Murphy but Tommy Oar was able to force in the rebound. That didn't deter Pompey, however, as some excellent build up play led to Kyle Bennett firing home an equaliser from a tight angle just two minutes later.

Those who were there (from both sides) say that you would have thought that it was the visitors who were the Championship side and when Conor Chaplin came off the bench to score yet another goal against second tier opposition with a quality finish, it seemed like a scalp would be claimed with just four minutes remaining.

However, Ipswich ensured there would be a replay with an extremely sloppy goal to concede as Ryan Fraser floated in a free kick that sailed directly into the net. Murphy may claim he was impeded but a commanding keeper would have dealt with that ball, for sure.

Still, a draw against (an albeit weakened) Championship side is a good result and Mick McCarthy was full of praise for Pompey afterwards. A replay will be required to settle the tie and it's likely that will be played on Tuesday, January 19th.

Many will now fancy the Blues for that game back on home turf, especially if McCarthy plays a weakened side again. Pompey will also be in the draw for the fourth round of the FA Cup which will take place on BBC One at 7:15pm. 

The good news is that Pompey fans won't have to worry about drawing Southampton after they were knocked out by Crystal Palace today with local lad Joel Ward opening the scoring.

There was more good news in League Two as well as Bristol Rovers failed to overtake Pompey in the table as they were beaten at Barnet. Accrington's home match with Notts County was called off and with Pompey due to visit them next week, that game may not go ahead if the horrid weather up north continues.

Still, if performances like today's continue then Portsmouth will be a League One club next season.