Debut delight turns to despair
It was certainly a debut to remember for Michael Smith at Morecambe.
The on-loan striker was thrown in at deep end after only arriving from Swindon the previous day.
It looked like being a winning start, with Pompey leading through Gareth Evans’ strike as the game entered stoppage-time.
But Shrimps keeper Barry Roche headed home a last-gasp corner to stun the Blues and spoil Smith’s mood.
He said: “I enjoyed the first half, but obviously not the final result and I thought we were unlucky to only come away with a draw.
“It’s always a kick in the teeth to concede in the last moment of the game and their goalkeeper getting it makes it even worse.
“You have to come to places like Morecambe on a cold Tuesday night and you know it’s going to be difficult.
“The conditions were awful and unfortunately we weren’t quite able get the three points on this occasion.”
Smith now hopes his new side can put the disappointment behind them and mount a promotion charge.
He said: “I was chuffed to bits to get the deal done here because this is a massive club.
“I haven’t started games since November, so I’m a bit behind on my match fitness, but I’m sure it’ll be fine once I hit my stride.
“Hopefully I can help Pompey start on the journey to getting back to where they want to be.
“I want to get as many minutes on the pitch as I possibly can during my time here and get the club into League One.”