Marcus Harness on the Fratton Park roar as Portsmouth book Wembley return with dramatic defeat of Exeter

Pompey sealed their return to Wembley with an enthralling 3-2 victory over Exeter in the EFL Trophy semi-final last night.

All five goals arrived in the closing stages of the game – and the Blues were twice forced to come from behind.

Harness’ 86th-minute effort cancelled out Jake Taylor’s opener for the League Two visitors in the 79th minute.

Yet Christian Burgess’ own goal with a minute of normal time remaining looked like Kenny Jackett's side would spin to their first loss in the competition for more than two years.

Stoppage-time interventions from Cameron McGeehan and John Marquis, however, ensured Pompey will be back at the national stadium on April 5 to defend the silverware they won last season.

Harness arrived on the south coast from Burton for an undisclosed fee in the summer.

And the emotions he felt during the rip-roaring defeat of Exeter is why he joined the club.

The winger said: ‘You can’t beat it. Fratton Park was absolutely rocking, wasn’t it!

‘You just can't beat it. Atmospheres like that is what you dream of when you're a kid. It was great, I loved it and we were all happy in the dressing room afterwards.

‘When Cam's goal went in, it took a deflection and looped over the keeper. That's when I thought "maybe it is our day and maybe it is falling our way”.

'I knew that Exeter would struggle after that in the last few minutes of the game with the momentum on our side.

‘For Ronan (Curtis) to pick out John, you always back him in the six-yard box to put it away.

‘When the ball went in, we were all just buzzing. It was a quality, quality goal.

‘In the last few moments, that’s when you need quality moments and we showed we have the quality to provide it when needed.’

Pompey hoisted the EFL Trophy aloft last term when beating Sunderland on penalties following thrilling 2-2 draw after extra-time.

Jackett's men will meet either Newport County or Salford, who play tonight, in the final at Wembley.

While Harness accepts the national stadium may not be a sell-out again, he's confident the Fratton faithful will travel in their droves.

He added: ‘I didn't watch the final last year but I've seen the highlights and it looked crazy!

‘There was Jamal Lowe’s dink and I know Wembley was full.

'It might not be the same this year but I’m sure that we will take a hell of a lot of fans up there so it’ll be a good day out.’