Derby County: John Eustace – we should have seen it out

Derby County picked up just their 12th away point of the season with just one defeat in their past seven buoying their hopes of survival.

Rob Atkinson scored a bizarre ‘hat-trick’ – made up of an own-goal and two ‘proper’ goals – as Pompey came from behind twice to take a 91st-minute point.

Jerry Yates opened the scoring for the visitors before the Bristol City loanee replied with an equaliser before turning the ball into his own net.

But the Rams were left to settle for a draw as the Portsmouth defender stepped up in stoppage time to deliver the goods for the home side.

PRESSURE: Eustace

Eustace – I expected us to see it out

Boss John Eustace said: “I think it is an excellent all-round performance.

“I don’t think many people would have expected us to get a result here.

“I think the effort and desire and commitment was there for all to see, but when you go into the last five or six minute 2-1 up, I expected us to see it out.

“We were under a lot of pressure, and they put a lot of good balls into the box, but overall we defended it well, just not well enough to get the three points.

“I thought it was a really good Championship game where both teams wanted to win the game and went toe-to-toe.

“To come away with a point is pleasing, but it is disappointing not to get all three.

“We are just taking each game as it comes now.”

The Rams sit 21st in the table with only a one-point cushion to Cardiff City behind them and host fellow strugglers Luton Town next Friday, before heading to The Hawthorns to take on a play-off chasing West Bromwich Albion on Easter Monday.

READ MORE: Portsmouth 2-2 Derby County: Rob Atkinson redeems himself at the death