In the space of a few seconds in the closing stages at Accrington, John Marquis experienced both ecstasy and agony.
The striker looked to have secured a precious three points for Pompey with an acrobatic stoppage-time finish.
That made the score 3-2 in the visitors’ favour, with goals from Marquis and Ryan Williams having earlier dragged them back on level terms from a 2-0 interval deficit.
But when Craig MacGillivray saved Cameron Burgess’ attempt moments later, the ball ricocheted off the Blues’ number nine and rebounded into the net.
He said: “I haven’t scored for a few games and thought I’d got the winner, but then there’s an own-goal I can do nothing about.
“It was a bit sickening for it to end like that and heart-breaking for everyone because we’ve worked so hard.
"We had to dig in at times and show desire and heart – that’s something to take into our remaining games."
“The first emotion is disappointment, although after the way we played in the first half, there was a lot of character after the break.
“There were some honest words spoken by the manager and Nicky and they were probably tough to take.
“He wanted a reaction and I think he got that. We kept plugging away at a well-drilled unit like Accrington – a place that’s always difficult to visit.
“After giving away two very poor goals and making it an uphill battle, we turned it round, but ultimately have to settle for a draw.
“We had to dig in at times and show desire and heart – that’s something to take into our remaining games.
“There are 180 minutes of football left for us this season and so we have to just keep going until the end.”