Michael Appleton believes the draw was a fair result as the big derby game finished level at 2-2.

Portsmouth twice came from behind to salvage a point at St Mary’s with David Norris scoring deep into stoppage time to deny Saints the win.

“I think so,” said the Pompey boss when asked if his side were good value for a point.

“I think Jamie had to pull off a couple of decent saves but at no point did I feel the goal was under barrage at any point in the game.

“We had to defend well at times but of course you do because they have some match winners in their team and you expect that but I thought it was a good performance, a controlled performance and a performance where we had players in certain positions and had to be inventive because of the position we’re in.

“You can ask certain things of players and the biggest thing that disappointed me in the previous game was we didn’t deal with disappointment well enough of conceding in the first minute of the second half.

“This week they had to come from behind twice and especially to do it the second time and how they did it was really really pleasing.”

He added: “It was a fantastic game, a fantastic derby and it was almost like a cup tie at times.

“The atmosphere was fantastic and the fans are happy because it’s a share of the spoils and some good goals.”