There was only one team who looked like winning this bank holiday clash between Pompey and Luton, and it most certainly wasn't Luton.

But the Blues couldn't force the victory that many felt necessary after the Boxing Day defeat at Leyton Orient and had to settle for a point.

Pompey are still fourth after the 0-0 draw but the gap to the top two - Plymouth and Northampton - has increased and the pressure is now on to beat Crawley at Fratton on Saturday.

Adam Barton was given the nod to deputise for Adam Webster in the centre of defence but otherwise the Blues side had a familiar look to it.

Pompey did all the early attacking and Ben Davies was causing particular problems down the right, while Marc McNulty had a couple of half-chances but couldn't keep them on target.

Kyle Bennett was involved in Pompey's best build-up play and he almost beat Mark Tyler with a right-footed effort from 25 yards. A succession of Davies corners also caused uncomfortable moments from the side currently being managed by Andy Awford.

Enda Stevens had plenty of opportunity to get forward and he set up a chance for McNulty, but it just wasn't Pompey's day in front of goal.

Davies went close with a free-kick late in the half - so close the tannoy announcer told the crowd it was a goal, much to the amusement of all watching.

The second hald also saw Pompey in control, but they never quite reached the intensity they had before the break.

Michael Doyle, who had an excellent game in midfield, sent a header from yet another corner just over and Matt Clarke saw a headed effort saved by Tyler.

Gary Roberts received a warm ovation when he made his comeback from injury in place of Caolan Lavery and later Adam McGurk and Conor Chaplin followed him into the action - although Chaplin had only a few minutes to impress.

Pompey seemed to run out of ideas and even five minutes of added time didn't bring any genuine scares for the Hatters, leaving Pompey to reflect on a festive weekend that had brought only one point out of six.

Pompey (4-2-3-1): Murphy; Davies, Barton, Clarke, Stevens; Hollands, Doyle (c); Evans, McNulty (McGurk 77), Bennett (Chaplin 87); Lavery (Roberts 64). Subs not used: Bass, Close, Tollitt, Stockley

Referee: Gavin Ward

Attendance: 17,668 (1,556 away fans)

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