Game 49 All square

In the end the 1-1 draw between Preston and Portsmouth was a fair result. The home side dominated possession but some poor final balls and inability to put the ball in the net when well placed almost cost them 3 points until a late Keith Keane leveller.
Portsmouth took an early lead through Wallace although the goal was shrouded in controversy, when North End's Holmes appeared to be fouled in a home attack, the ball ended up with Mousinho, North End's captain whose attempt to find a team mate only led to a superb through ball which let in Pompey's Connelly. In days gone by Connelly would have scored however he was denied by home keeper Rudd who pushed the ball away from the forwards feet, but the ball was never properly cleared and Wallace slotted the ball home to great delight of the noisy travelling contingent. (0-1)
Spurred on by this setback North End powered forward and only the crossbar denied King, minutes later the home side were presented with an even better chance to score from a scuffed Moushino shot the ball fell to Garner 8 yards out, he hit the post, he should have scored.
Pompey thought they had gone two ahead but two visitors were clearly offside.
A bit of dissent from the home fans but North End started on the front foot in the second half, the visitors defence just about keeping them out, but credit to the well organised visitors they looked useful on the break, twice skipper Ertl was denied once by a great save by Rudd and then a block by Keane.
Just as it looked the home side were going to go home pointless they equalised the ball bouncing nicely for Keane to volley past keeper Eastwood. (1-1)
Try as they might the home side pressed for the winner but it was not forthcoming, honours even.

Preston North End 1 Portsmouth 1 Att 9484