Conor Chaplin came to Pompey's rescue with a fine finish for a late, late equaliser after Pompey looked like losing 1-0 at Barnet for the second season in a row.

A free-kick by Mauro Vilhete that left question marks over Blues keeper David Forde had given the Bees the lead with only eight minutes to go. But sub Chaplin lashed home a fine effort from 25 yards in front of the 2,000-plus Pompey fans who outnumbered the home support.

It was probably a fair result from a game that lacked much real quality and gives Pompey seven points out of nine in a very satisfactory week in their promotion bid.

The Blues were unchanged once again after Gareth Evans proved his fitness following a shoulder injury.

Eoin Doyle's header, directed wide from a Gary Roberts cross, was about the best Pompey could muster in the first half - while the home team fared little better in attack, although John Akinde and Charlie Clough both made the Blues sweat with efforts late in the half that went close.

Chaplin and Danny Rose replaced Jamal Lowe and Kyle Bennett for the start of the second half as Cook tried to find a spark in Pompey's game. But he was out of luck as the second half display proved all too similar to what had gone before.

Ruben Bover sent a free kick on to the roof of Forde's net but it looked like 0-0 would remain the score - until a couple of late twists.

With eight minutes left a Barnet attack was halted when Justin Amaluzor in a fairly central position outside the box - and Vilhete curled home the free kick, which it looked like Forde should have at least got a hand to.

In fairness to Pompey they did soldier on and got their reward in the 90th minute when Chaplin controlled the ball 25 yards to work himself some space and then lashed home a superb shot into the top corner with the keeper helpless.

There was no time for either side to make a serious effort to win it and it was Pompey who probably felt happiest at the outcome, having gone behind so late.

Pompey are now six points behind third-placed Carlisle ... who they visit next Saturday.

Pompey: Forde; Evans, Burgess, Clarke, Stevens; Linganzi, M.Doyle; Lowe (Rose 46), Roberts (Baker 80), Bennett (Chaplin 46); E.Doyle. Subs not used: O’Brien, T.Davies, Naismith, Hunt

Referee: Mark Brown

Attendance: 4,571 (2,430 Pompey fans)

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