Portsmouth were denied a first Championship win in more than 12 years, as Tommy Conway’s 90th-minute penalty ensured they drew 2-2 at Middlesbrough in the Championship.
Pompey have drawn all three of their matches on their second-tier return but came within seconds of securing the win. They went ahead after just 102 seconds, hitting Boro on the break with Callum Lang crossing to Saydee, who netted in acres of space.
Former Pompey favourite Matt Clarke nodded home a Finn Azaz corner to restore parity, but Boro only had themselves to blame as they went behind again. Clarke seemed like he’d deal with a long throw into the area, only for goalkeeper Seny Dieng to come out and try to clear. In the confusion, Saydee nipped in for his second of the afternoon.
Michael Carrick’s side stayed in contention, despite trailing for 75 minutes, and they got their rewards late one. Isaiah Jones nipped into the area but was felled by Owen Moxon, and debutant Conway netted the resulting penalty. It ended a thrilling game, and despite not getting three points, one most Pompey fans seemed happy with.
“We played really well in the first half for large spells, I thought thoroughly deserved the lead going into half-time,” said Pompey boss John Mousinho.
“I think naturally when you come away to places like this you do sit deep and probably there’s a bit too much panic on the ball, we didn’t really quite settle down enough.
“It’s really good lesson as we go up through the levels and play against sides likes this that when we’re on it we can compete, but as soon as we drop even five per cent then sides like this do punish you.”
While they remain winless in the division, there does seem to be some credit in the bank for the popular manager. Having won League One at a canter last season, the former Oxford man is revered in Hampshire, and that’s reflected in some of the comments left by fans on social media platform X after the game.
Despite the late heartbreak, they’re clearly enjoying their return to the top two divisions, and even a late penalty couldn’t dampen their spirits. There’s certainly a feeling they could have (not of) won all three of their opening fixtures, and despite the late heartbreak, they’re in a good position to stay in the Championship this season.
They’ve battered us and deserved the goal but shame to concede so late again
— Slaavzz (@slaavzz) August 24, 2024
Every single game we should of won. Every game.
— Ollie (@OliOConnor3) August 24, 2024
Would of took a point before the game but every game we just can’t hold on
— Oakley (@Pomp_oakley) August 24, 2024
We keep getting so close and ducking it up last minute
— Ollie Joell (@olliejoell1606) August 24, 2024
A point is still good enough, hold on
— 🇬🇧LX (C)SH (@BlueArmyAlex) August 24, 2024
Getting so close to getting first 3 points but hey least we aren’t getting smashed and losing games 👌 more than holding our own in this league
— Andy (@FinlayJohn93) August 24, 2024
Pompey’s first three games:
1) I expected us to lose all three
2) I would have been happy with a point each from all three
3) I find myself genuinely really disappointed that we haven’t won all threePompey life… 🤣😂
— Rick Strang (@rickstrang) August 24, 2024
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