Ryley Towler is looking for Pompey to end the season on a positive note after missing out on the play-offs.
And so he was pleased to be involved in a competitive performance at promotion-chasing Derby in the penultimate fixture.
A 20th league goal of the season for Colby Bishop was cancelled out by James Collins as the game finished all square.
Towler felt that the visitors settled down after a difficult opening and could have even secured a victory.
The defender said: “It’s always going to be tough coming to Derby, especially when they need points to get into the play-offs.
“But I thought we did really well after the first 20 minutes, playing some nice football and creating a few chances.
“We had to dig deep towards the end to get the point and we battled really well to make sure we got the job done.
"We scored and then probably should have got a couple more goals during that period, although I think we’re pleased overall."
“They had a lot of early chances, but it settled down after that and the important thing was that we were still in the game.
“We scored and then probably should have got a couple more goals during that period, although I think we’re pleased overall.
“We’re looking to end the season in a positive way and so now we want to make sure we win the final game.”
After an impressive opening to his Pompey career, Towler recently spent a spell out of the side before being recalled for the past two games.
He said: “That’s football. There are going to be times when it happens and you just have to keep grafting.
“The manager said to keep working hard and so I got my head down and then got back into the team. Now I want to stay there.
“You have a nice rest over the summer and then make sure you come back fit and hopefully be in that starting 11 on the opening day of the season.”