One moment of quality proved the difference between Pompey and Sunderland in the League One play-offs.
A superb volley from Chris Maguire – against his former club – gave the north-east outfit a narrow lead after the first leg.
The Blues had chances back on home soil, with a combination of goalkeeper Jon McLaughlin and the woodwork keeping them at bay.
Matt Clarke’s header struck the bar just before the break and the defender admitted it was a frustrating evening.
He said: “It’s disappointing to go out at this stage, but I think we gave it all in what were two very tight matches.
“There was a period in the first half when we created some chances and you thought that a goal was coming.
"It’s disappointing to go out at this stage, but I think we gave it all in what were two very tight matches."
“But they did a bit of a job on us after the break, slowing the game right down and taking an age over set-pieces.
“We were never really able to get going and that was frustrating. We tried to build some momentum and it didn’t come together for us.
“I think we had enough chances overall to have won the game and tried our best to get through to the final.”
Clarke understands that the mood will be downbeat for a while, but knows Pompey cannot afford to wallow in self-pity.
He said: “You look back over the season at times when you dropped points, although I believe you end up where you’re meant to and you can’t have regrets.
“There’s disappointment and it gets you down for a couple of days, but football moves on and dwelling on it won’t change the result.”