Pompey boss Michael Appleton admitted he is relieved to see the back of Saints – until next April’s St Mary’s return anyway.

He said after this afternoon’s south coast derby: "It will be nice not to mention the word 'Southampton' for a couple of months and just focus on climbing up the league and getting on with the rest of the season.

"These games get built up that much that the players forget to play at times.

“There weren't enough people prepared to put their foot on the ball and show a bit of composure."

Appleton was delighted for homegrown midfielder Joel Ward to grab Pompey’s late leveller.

"Growing up as a Portsmouth lad and fan, he has probably dreamt about doing that for a while,” said the boss.

"Joel can probably appreciate the importance of that goal more than the rest of the players.

“You could tell that with his celebration.

"I gave him a bit of stick because he was lording it up after the game and taking all the applause. We were waiting for him for about 10 minutes in the dressing room.”

The best Pompey v Saints derby reports, reaction and pictures are in tomorrow’s Daily Echo.