Gillingham 1-1 Portsmouth: Blues denied Priestfield win after Gareth Evans strike is cancelled out late on

Pompey celebrate Gareth Evans' 36th-minute goal. Picture: Jason Brown

Pompey picked up what could prove to be an important point on the road as they drew 1-1 with in-form Gillingham in League One.

With the hosts unbeaten at home since early November, a tough task awaited a Blues side still hurting from Sunday's 3-1 loss at MK Dons.

However, Kenny Jackett's side responded as well against a Gills side brimming with confidence - battling out to secure a share of the spoils at Priestfield.

The recalled Gareth Evans put Pompey in front on 36 minutes following a well-timed run.

Gareth Evans is challenged by former Blues team-mate Stuart O'Keefe. Picture: Jason Brown

But his effort was cancelled out 11 minutes from time, with substitute Alex Jacubiak firing past goalkeeper Alex Bass from close range.

Buoyed by a seven-match winning streak on home soil prior to kick-off, the hosts immediately displayed their Priestfield confidence.

The Gills' first venture forward saw them appealing for a penalty when the ball appeared to strike the arm of Christian Burgess. But referee Alan Young was having none of it and waved play on.

Seconds later, though, they were back on the attack.

On this occasion, Connor Ogilvie's long throw found Oliver Lee in plenty of space inside the box – but he was unable to beat the recalled Alex Bass in the Pompey goal, who saved well before Brandon Hanlan fired over the rebound.

It was exactly the start expected from the home side against a Pompey outfit with only two wins from their previous 10 away games in the league.

Yet Kenny Jackett's troops steadily established themselves and, in the 10th minute, Evans – one of two changes made by the manager to his starting line-up – saw his effort saved by keeper Jack Bonham after the Gills No1 had initially failed to deal with Burgess' dangerous header.

That saw a sustained period of Blues pressure, with Evans again testing Bonham.