Pompey stunned by Pilgrims' late double
Saturday, 16th Apr 2016 17:31 by pompey-fans.com staff

Pompey's hopes of automatic promotion were dealt a huge blow as Plymouth scored twice late on to win 2-1 at Fratton Park.

The defeat could be fatal to Pompey's dream of a top three finish - although they are still only six points behind third place with a game in hand.

The Bliues led 1-0 going into the final stages of a feisty game courtesy of a 37th minute diving header by Michael Smith after Matt Clarke latched on to Kyle Bennett's quick throw down the left to send the ball into the box.

Pompey looked in control for long periods although Plymouth, as they had to do, did attack more as the game went on.

They levelled on 84 minutes when Jamille Matt rose high at the near post to head in Graham Carey's corner.

That took the wind out of the sails of Pompey and the home crowd and they were stunned further less than two minutes later when Carey cut the ball back for Greg Wylde to fire low past Jones.

It was cruel on Pompey but they will reflect on their inability to turn their dominance into a second goal as one reason they didn't get the three points they needed.

The Blues are close to clinching a play-off spot but if they don't win at York on Tuesday you can forget anything better.

Pompey (4-2-3-1): Jones; Davies (Chaplin 89), Burgess, Clarke, Stevens; Hollands, Doyle (c); McGurk (Evans 67), Roberts (McNulty 76), Bennett; Smith, Subs not used: Murphy, Webster, Close, Naismith

Referee: Christopher Sarginson

Attendance: 18,423 (2,405 away fans)