More problems for injury-ravaged Stags

Simon Heslop, Matt Rhead and Fergus Bell all had to come off during a thrilling game to leave more headaches for the Stags management.

“The next 48-72 hours will be vital and we will just have to see how they are,” said first team coach Micky Moore.

“Matt Rhead’s hamstring tightened and Simon Heslop got in a block and his foot came up like a balloon.”

After Moore had left the press box it was reported Bell was on his way to hospital though no one could confirm what his problem was.

Overall it was a very pleasing away point for Stags before 15,000 baying Pompey fans.

“We thoroughly deserved it,” said Moore. “We had one or two opportunities after we scored to make it 2-0 but didn’t quite take them.

“On the balance of play, though, I think we deserved a point and were a bit unlucky not to take all three.

“We had a game plan. After conceding early goals in the last couple of games we told them to come in at half-time at least on level terms and then up the tempo in the second half.

“We were very good defensively today though disappointed in the manner in which we conceded the goal. Jamie Sendles-White has come in and fitted in very well today.

“We knew we were going to be under pressure in the last 15-20 minutes and were prepared for it. They are a big club with a big crowd and they threw caution to the wind.

“The last two performances hadn’t been what we wanted or expected but we got a performance today.”

To read the match report click HERE