Incredible fightback as Blues steal a point at the death

Pompey scored twice in the final few minutes to somehow snatch a draw from the jaws of defeat at Bury.





Sonny Bradley and Wes Fogden netted late on, with the Blues looking dead and buried.





Hallam Hope took advantage of the visitors’ lacklustre first half display to hit a first half brace before Andy Procter added a third after the break.





But Danny Hollands and Ryan Taylor struck to spark dreams of a comeback that seemed to be extinguished when Hope completed his hat-trick.





There was still time for an incredible ending, though, as first Bradley and then Fogden found the target to ensure Pompey continued their unbeaten run.





Andy Awford made five changes from the side that won at Northampton on Easter Monday.





Ben Chorley returned to skipper the side after missing the last five matches and was partnered by Bondz N’Gala at the heart of defence.





Hollands and Ricky Holmes were restored to Pompey’s midfield, while Taylor came in to lead the line.





Bradley, Joe Devera, Jake Jervis and Patrick Agyemang all dropped to the bench, but Daniel Alfei was not named in the matchday squad.





Before the game the ‘Ride 2 Bury’ crew – who had cycled to the JD Stadium from Fratton Park to raise funds for charity – escorted the team coach into the ground.





A minute’s applause was then held prior kick-off in memory of all former Blues and Shakers players, officials and fans who have passed away in the last 12 months.





Both sides had half chances once the action got underway, as Johnny Ertl and Danny Mayor saw efforts blocked into the box.





But it was the hosts who broke the deadlock on nine minutes when Clive Platt helped on a cross and Hope sent a header into the top corner.





The striker might have had a second moments later, but this time Trevor Carson – allowed to play against his parent club – was equal to his shot.





Jed Wallace had a good opportunity at the other end on 17 minutes, but his fierce 20-yard drive could not beat Bury keeper Brian Jensen.





The midfielder then did well down the right and sent a low cross into the box that was cut out before it could reach a team-mate.





But it was still the Shakers looking more dangerous and Chorley had to make a timely intervention to deny Andrew Tutte after Craig Jones and Hope had cut the Blues open.





It took a goal-line clearance from Hollands to stop Pablo Mills from doubling their advantage on 33 minutes.





The respite was brief, however, as just seconds later, Tom Soares helped on a long ball forward and Hope coolly steered home his second of the afternoon.





He would have completed a first half hat-trick, but Carson was able to keep out his fierce angled drive just before the interval.





Half Time: Bury 2 Pompey 0





Awford made a change at the break, with Ertl making way for Adam Webster and Danny East moving to a more advanced position wide on the right.





But the second half started as the first had ended – with the hosts on the attack.





And they made their pressure count on 49 minutes as substitute Procter stooped to head home Mayor’s inviting cross from the left.





The Blues’ large travelling army – many of whom were in fancy dress – deserved more for their unwavering support behind the goal.





And they soon had something to cheer as HOLLANDS stabbed home after a corner had caused chaos in the Bury box.





Pompey had another opportunity moments later, but Webster could only shoot straight at Jensen after turning neatly.





The Shakers keeper then did well to keep out Wallace’s angled drive before recovering quickly to prevent Taylor from reaching the loose ball.





Awford made an attacking switch in search of more goals on 69 minutes as Holmes made way for Agyemang.





But it was Wallace who went close to reducing the deficit even further with a deflected free-kick that crept just past the post.





TAYLOR did find the target on 82 minutes, though, squeezing a shot into the bottom corner after being picked out by Agyemang.





Hope then appeared to secure victory for the hosts with his hat-trick goal following more good work from the impressive Mayor.





But BRADLEY, who had only been on the pitch for 10 minutes, swung at a ball into the box to reduce the deficit again.





And FOGDEN then struck from close-range in stoppage-time to complete a remarkable afternoon of goalmouth action at the JD Stadium.





Bury (4-4-2): Jensen; Jones, Mills, McNulty, Hussey; Soares, Tutte (Cameron 90+2), Sedgwick (Obadeyi 66), Mayor; Platt (Procter 31), Hope

Goals: Hope 9, 34, 86, Procter 49

Subs not used: Charles-Cook, Poscha, Grimes, Burgess





Pompey (4-2-3-1): Carson; East (Bradley 78), N’Gala, Chorley (c), Shorey; Ertl (Webster 46), Hollands; Wallace, Fogden, Holmes (Agyemang 69); Taylor

Goals: Hollands 53, Taylor 82, Bradley 88, Fogden 90+3

Subs not used: Smith, Devera, Whatmough, Jervis





Referee: Steven Rushton





Attendance: 4,759 (1,498 Pompey fans)