Stanley took a clean sheet and a point from their trip to Fratton Park thanks to a dogged and determined away display.

John Coleman’s men had their chances to win the game against former bosses Paul Cook and Leam Richardson’s team but in the end took a share of the spoils against the promotion favourites.

The Reds reverted back to the side that drew with Northampton in their previous League Two outing and made a solid start in front of a partisan and sizeable home crowd.

An early header from Piero Mingoia was an easy take for Brian Murphy in the home goal as they looked to make an impact, with Pompey captain Michael Doyle off target with an attempted lob from the half way line but in truth real chances were few and far between.

Stanley’s best first half opening came through Terry Gornell’s flying header from a superb Mingoia cross but the ball flew just wide of the right post.

Referee Brendan Malone was in action frequently in the first 45 minutes and showed yellow cards to Sean McConville and Portsmouth full back Ben Davies when the pair tangled on the near side off the ball with many of the home fans wanting a red for the Stanley man.

Jason Mooney had to wait until stoppage time for his first save, pushing out an effort from inside the box from former Red Gary Roberts.

Coleman’s team enjoyed the best of the opening skirmishes after the restart, with sub keeper Paul Jones pushing McConville’s driven shot round the post for a corner before defender Davies went close to an own goal from another Mingoia delivery.

Windass then cut in from the left to fire over before Portsmouth sub Conor Chaplin saw a shot blocked by Tom Davies and fellow replacement Matt Tubbs tried an acrobatic effort that was wonderfully saved by Mooney.

The home team threw all hands to the attacking pump but couldn’t craft a clear chance as Stanley’s resolute defence held firm.

Stanley: Mooney, Pearson, Davies, Winnard, Buxton, Crooks, Conneely, Mingoia, McConville, Windass, Gornell