PORTSMOUTH FOOTBALL CLUB

There was a huge sense of frustration when referee Scott Duncan blew the final whistle at Brunton Park.

A 95th-minute wonder strike from Danny Grainger denied the Blues a victory that few could have argued they deserved.

That came after Caolan Lavery had cancelled out Grainger’s penalty opener and Marc McNulty had then fired the visitors ahead.

But despite the disappointment, Carlisle boss Keith Curle was full of praise for Paul Cook’s Pompey.

He told the United website: “We showed them a lot of respect and rightly so – man for man, I think they’re the best unit we’ve come up against this season.

“The way they played the game is exactly what we’re trying to bring to this football club.

“They’ll be in the top three at the end of the season because they are really well organised and capable.

“The crowd have just seen arguably the best team in this division, but the pleasing thing for us all is that we competed with them.

“Their movement and use of the ball is pleasing on the eye and we’re making strides towards achieving that as well.

“We knew we were going to be without possession of the ball for long periods and it was important that we retained our shape and discipline when that was the case.

“I know some people won’t like that approach, but sometimes you have to show a very good team the respect they deserve.”

Pompey PlayerHD subscribers can watch interviews with Blues boss Paul Cook and skipper Michael Doyle.