Colby Bishop ended his wait for a first goal of the season to earn Portsmouth a point at Blackburn Rovers. The 29-year-old striker came off the bench to divert Ryan Kavuma-McQueen's drive into the net in the 74th minute, securing a 2-2 draw at Ewood Park on Saturday.
It was Bishop's second goal from open play in over a year, a moment that lifted his side after they had fallen behind. The League One title winner had been taken out of the starting lineup but delivered a key impact as a substitute.
Teammate Odin Bailey, who also entered the fray in the 63rd minute, believes the goal will ignite Bishop's campaign. "Everyone is delighted for him," Bailey said. "He works so hard each and every day, he works hard every time he plays."
The 26-year-old Bailey, making his fourth appearance off the bench since arriving from Stockport County this summer, was deployed in a more advanced role after replacing skipper Marlon Pack. He felt his introduction helped turn a chaotic game in Pompey's favour.
The result leaves Portsmouth 19th in the Championship table with eight points from seven games. They have scored nine goals and conceded ten so far this season. Portsmouth have now taken eight points from a possible 21 in the league, with their next fixture an away trip to Southampton on October 11.
Bishop's equaliser cancelled out strikes from Blackburn's Oladapo Afolayan and Ryoya Morishita, after Zak Swanson had given Pompey an early lead. The draw extends a recent run of one win, two draws and two losses from their last five matches.
Portsmouth are next in action away to Southampton on October 11, with Josh Murphy and Luke Brooke-Smith currently sidelined through injury. The squad list and latest injuries news is available for supporters.
The original report is at portsmouth.co.uk
