Portsmouth and Plymouth Argyle could not be separated at Fratton Park in a pulsating 2-2 draw in the First Leg of the League 2 Play Off Semi Final.
The home side went into the clash in good form having won three of their last four league matches while visitors Plymouth Argyle beat Hartlepool United 5-0 at Home Park last time out.
The match burst into life from the very first whistle and the home side had the lead after just three minutes when Marc McNulty fired in the opener from the edge of the area. Plymouth Argyle fought back and six minutes later they were level when on loan Fleetwood Town striker Jamille Matt headed the ball into the net.
The early drama continued and 10 minutes later the match was turned completely on it’s head when Matt notched his second goal of the night with a stunning overhead kick. The home side dominated both the possession and shots on goal statistics but could not find an equaliser before the break.
The second half started with the home side no doubt feeling manager Paul Cook’s half time words of wisdom ringing in their ears and six minutes into the half Pompey were awarded a penalty kick after Argyle defender Peter Hartley tripped Marc McNulty in the area. Gary Roberts stepped up to convert the spot kick to bring the match level at 2-2.
Both clubs went in search of a winning goal without success with home side Portsmouth particularly piling on the pressure and the match remains finely poised for the Second Leg at Home Park on Sunday evening.
