'Mousinho's men left St Mary's with heads held high'

I doubt anyone watching the first south coast derby in the league for 13 years would dispute that Pompey earned their point with interest, and on another day perhaps take all three.

Albeit slower starters in the second half, Pompey largely controlled proceedings for the entire afternoon. It is such a shining light of progress to go to St Mary's and be the better side.

The conditions of both Connor Ogilvie and Nicolas Schmid is alarming but, that aside, it's all positives with four particular top-class performers.

It's a toss-up between Zak Swanson and Andre Dozzell for man of the match for me, incredibly closely followed by the sensational pair of Regan Poole and Conor Shaughnessy, who I thought were exemplary.

Josh Murphy is just sensational, and I still remain in disbelief watching Conor Chaplin back in Pompey blue. A proper, proper coup.

Away from the pitch, it was a completely surreal day. Dawn was yet to break as we headed down to Fratton Park, where 20-plus coaches were waiting to take us on the 19-mile trip.

A Sunday morning at just gone 07:30 sat on a double decker bus outside the North Stand packed full of fellow Pompey faithful was just as bizarre as it was enjoyable.

The powers-that-be from an organisational perspective got it absolutely spot on, wheels began turning at bang on 08:30 and we simply didn't come to a stop until we were well within the St Mary's compound.

The rolling road block and escort of a snaking convoy of coaches was done with real elegance, with zero flash points and sensible pace.

Once out on foot, recognisable Pompey staff and the unfamiliar cohort of our opposition's workforce were nothing but friendly and pleasant - aided by a crackling atmosphere as soon as the 2,700 of us had disembarked.

The salient opportunity for the two sets of fans to face each other was within the stadium bowl itself - signalling the rudimentary gestures and chants befitting of derby day on the south coast.

On another day, Pompey perhaps win that game - which is both exciting and frustrating to consider. I think collectively we were left with a hint of disappointment, which can only be viewed as a positive.

A final word on John Mousinho. He led the team and the club with a real steely determination, and struck me as a leader with a healthy aloofness about him.

Whether that be in the press post-match or his playful interactions with opposite number Will Still, he completely 'gets' both what's at stake and what it means to all those around the world with Pompey in their hearts.

The mentality he instilled in his players was absolutely on the money.

Pompey's start to the season remains a solid one. The opportunity to go four unbeaten beckons this weekend.

Find more from Tom Chappell at FourNilWrittenAllOverIt.