Jackett pays tribute to Portsmouth after snatching draw at Rochdale

Kenny Jackett felt Portsmouth were second best against Rochdale but feels his side deserve credit after managing to “hang on to their coattails” in a 3-3 draw at Spotland.

Pompey three times from behind as a brace from Brett Pitman and an injury-time own goal from Matt Done cancelled out Dale’s efforts from Brad Inman, Stephen Humphrys and Ian Henderson.

“I thought Rochdale were a yard sharper than us almost all the way through the game. We did well to hang on to their coattails and we did well to come back three times after they had scored,” said Jackett.

“They’ve got a good attacking flow, really good movement and some delivery in vital areas. But similarly, there are spaces to attack and it always gives you a chance. We have done well today to earn a point after going behind three times.

“We stuck at it – there is always character needed along with quality.

“Brett Pitman is trying to claim the third goal but it looked an own goal to me.

“Although Brett was putting him under pressure and if he hadn’t taken the responsibility then Brett would have had a very good chance of finishing it himself.

“His first two finishes were very good and he was unlucky with a first half chance as well.”

Inman’s fierce drive opened the scoring in the 13th minute and Dale saw a Henderson effort chalked offside before Pitman levelled in the 26th minute after good work from Jamal Lowe.

Humphrys fired Dale ahead after 56 minutes before Pitman’s second leveller.

It looked like Dale had secured the win they deserved when Calvin Andrew set up Henderson from close range, but in stoppage time Pitman’s presence forced Done to head into his own net and the spoils were shared.

“I thought we played superb, offensive football. We took the game to Portsmouth and they had to ride their luck,” said Dale boss Keith Hill.

“They’re an excellent side and refused to go away. The key components of their side is Pitman and he was involved in all three goals.

“It’s typical of our central defenders, having a good game today but their main striker is involved with all three goals. We should have done better in those situations, the long balls forward.

“But I’m really pleased with the energy, the commitment and the way the players are playing. Arguably, it could be a good point.

“We took it to them. You’ve got to be pleased with the general performance and the commitment. They conceded three today because of the way we attacked.

“It’s just a shame we couldn’t get the balance to the way we defended as 99.9 per cent of the way we defended was really good, but they had a bit of assertiveness in the key duels.”