Portsmouth 2-2 Derby County: League One’s top two play out thrilling draw at Fratton Park

Owen Moxon’s stunning strike rescued a point for Portsmouth in a thrilling draw with League One promotion rivals Derby.

Ward scored for the second time before the break to give Derby the lead again but substitute Moxon struck from range in the second half to make it 2-2.

A five-point gap remains between the two sides with John Mousinho’s leaders having a game in hand on Paul Warne’s second-placed Rams.

A rocking Fratton Park rose for League One’s top two sides ahead of the game, the rain swirling in the floodlights before kick-off.

Mousinho’s side rode the Fratton wave early on, enjoying spells of possession and having a number of shots but not forcing Joe Wildsmith into a save of note.

Derby struck in the 23rd minute after Corey Blackett-Taylor drove powerfully into Portsmouth’s final third and released Ward on the right.

He was clinical with his finish into the bottom left-hand corner of Will Norris’ net for his first goal since joining Derby last summer.

But the hosts levelled almost immediately with a lovely team move that saw Colby Bishop flick the ball into the path of Kamara who stayed composed to cut inside and fire home.

Ten minutes before half-time, Ward scored his second of the game to put Derby in front again, striking from distance with the aid of a deflection.

Portsmouth should have equalised quickly once again but Christian Saydee sliced over the bar from less than 10 yards out.

The Rams’ threat on the break continued into the second half with Portsmouth having the majority of the ball but Warne’s side using the pace of Blackett-Taylor on the counter.

However, Portsmouth rescued a point in the 77th minute as substitute Moxon thumped home from all of 25 yards, celebrating wildly with the Fratton faithful.

There was more drama to come as Pompey substitute Tino Anjorin went down in the box late on with big cries for a penalty but referee Will Finnie was not satisfied there was enough contact to warrant a spot-kick.

Portsmouth manager John Mousinho, speaking to BBC Radio Solent:

“It was a pretty good performances against a really good side, we take the point and let’s follow it up with a win at the weekend.

“The first goal was a brilliant move, I’m really pleased with that and the second goal.

“The penalty shout looked stonewall for me involving Tino Anjorin but regardless we have put ourselves in a really good position with the result.”

Derby boss Paul Warne to BBC Radio Derby:

“Generally I’m really pleased with a point. I think we went toe-to-toe pretty well.

“That one point could be the difference come the end of the season.

“A draw’s probably a fair result, but when you’ve got a lead like that, it’s disappointing to lose it to a screamer like that which could’ve gone anywhere.

“I’m pleased for Joe Ward. He’s really come into his own in the last couple of months.”