Crystal Palace manager Trevor Francis paid tribute to midfielder Julian Gray after the Scotsman's goal made it four successive draws for First Division leaders Pompey.

But Harry Redknapp's men still enjoyed a good day as second-placed Leicester conceded two late goals to lose to Ipswich last night.

Gray volleyed home unmarked at the back post from a Tommy Black cross, just four minutes after Portsmouth had taken the lead through captain Paul Merson.

Francis said: "Julian is in great form at the moment and took the goal very well. He looked dangerous every time he got the ball and was probably our most potent threat.

"We were a bit disappointed not to win because I thought we had enough chances to.

"We got ourselves in some good situations but we didn't make the most of them when we got them.

"But I can't be too hard on my players because Portsmouth have only lost twice all season so we are pretty content with a draw."

Merson looked to have put Portsmouth on course for their first win in almost a month when he opened the scoring on 26 minutes.

The former Arsenal and England player raced on to Matt Taylor's left-wing cross before tapping the ball passed Palace goalkeeper Alex Kolinko for his seventh of the season.

But after Gray's equaliser, Palace could have taken all three points late in the game had it not been for Portsmouth goalkeeper Shaka Hislop.

Hislop was the hero 16 minutes from time when he pulled off the save of the day to deny substitute Ade Akinbiyi a winner. Akinbiyi raced passed the defence before unleashing a fierce close-range shot only to see Hislop superbly turn the ball round the post.

Redknapp said: "We are expected to win our home games but I'm not too disappointed with a draw.

"We are not going to win every game and Palace have a very strong squad.

"The good thing is everybody around us is slipping up too so that's definitely a point gained rather than two dropped."

Late goals from Thomas Gaardsoe and Darren Ambrose gave Ipswich a win at Leicester.

Leicester boss Micky Adams said: "Ipswich are a good side and you can't afford to switch off against them and that is exactly what we did in the last 10 minutes and got mugged for it.

"Perhaps after they got the equaliser we should have shut up shop, but we are not very good at doing that."