Gareth Evans saw his northern credentials put firmly to the test at Oakwell.
Even Pompey’s skipper was left shivering by the freezing rain and strong winds that affected much of the country.
But the Blues dealt with the challenge well to secure a 1-1 draw with a Barnsley side that are also chasing League One promotion.
It was Evans who netted for the visitors and although Cauley Woodrow levelled, he was satisfied with a draw.
The midfielder said: “The conditions were obviously tough and you also have to take into account that we’ve had a tough midweek game. So, all in all, you’d probably take a point.
"I’m a northerner so I’m obviously used to the conditions, but everyone stood up to it and didn’t really bat an eyelid."
“Just as we started to walk our for the game the sleety-snow started and it was absolutely freezing, while the wind also seemed to pick up.
“I’m a northerner so I’m obviously used to the conditions, but everyone stood up to it and didn’t really bat an eyelid. It made for an interesting game.
“We knew that these three matches leading up to Christmas would probably be the hardest we’ve faced this season.
“It’s been good to test ourselves against the sides that we feel are the best in this league and have dealt with that quite well – now we’ll look forward to facing Sunderland.”
Evans’ strike just before the break means he joins Jamal Lowe on eight goals at the top of Pompey’s scoring charts.
The 30-year-old said: “You always set yourself a target at the start of the season and hopefully I can reach that, but I’m more worried about the fact we got a point.
“I’m glad that my goal has contributed to the final result and, I know it’s a cliché, but I’ll just keep taking it by game to game.
“I have been striking the ball quite well and that’s something I do work on a lot out on the training pitch.”|