Image source, Rex Features

So we head to Home Park on Sunday with the game very much in the balance. See, the play-offs are all about the cliches.

Until then, we'll bring you all the play-off action across the Football League right here on the BBC Sport website. Let's just hope they are all as pulsating as tonight's match - which you can read all about in Adam Williams' report.

Thanks for following and your great memories of play-off matches of old.

Goodnight.

That was some way to start the play-offs, wasn't it? Well we can fix you up again tomorrow night as Sheffield Wednesday host Brighton in the Championship play-off semi-finals.

It will be interesting to see how the Seagulls respond after just missing out on automatic promotion at the expense of Middlesbrough after a final-day draw at the Riverside.

Image source, Rex

Portsmouth manager Paul Cook on Sky Sports: "It was a full-blooded game. It was a good game with two committed side who had a good go at each other."

About being sent off: "We shouldn't get involved like that on the bench and we apologise for that."

It must be said that, in my opinion, Plymouth were lucky not to have a man sent off.

Firstly, Jamille Matt's aforementioned clash with Michael Doyle in the first half, then Peter Hartley appeared to be the last man when he brought down Marc McNulty for the penalty, while Gary Sawyer's challenge on Danny Hollands was a little bit over the top.

Plymouth striker Jamille Matt speaking to Sky Sports about his apparent head-butt on Michael Doyle: "It was a bit of handbags and Doyle will say the same. It was a bit of nothing really."

We do indeed head to Devon level on terms after a topsy-turvy match at a rocking Fratton Park.

Marc McNulty had put the hosts in front, but Jamille Matt's double had Plymouth ahead at the break.

However, Peter Hartley brought down McNulty in the area, and could have been shown a red for his troubles, allowing Gary Roberts to score from the spot.

Image source, Rex Features

Image source, Rex Features

That might be that. Portsmouth break after Plymouth lose the ball, but Gary Roberts fires well off target after cutting inside onto his left foot. Looks like we're heading to Home Park level.

Plymouth are bringing off scorer of both their goals, Jamille Matt, for Craig Tanner.

There's four minutes added on for either side to find a winner.

Image source, Rex Features

Portsmouth look the more likely to score, and Gareth Evans is next to try his luck.

He clearly watched Jamille Matt's second for Plymouth in the first half and fancied having a go at an overhead kick himself, but his effort is just wide, unlike Matt's.

Portsmouth have a decent chance chance to go back in front when Ben Davies continues his run forward in put through on goal, but keeper Luke McCormick foils him. How vital that save might be.

That was an unnecessary yellow card for Plymouth substitute Ben Purrington. He gives away a soft free-kick in the middle of the park with no danger, but keeps the ball away from the Portsmouth players for too long in the referee's eyes and is cautioned. Needless.

Image source, Rex Features

Davies' delivery is great but sub Adam McGurk can't keep his header down under pressure and it goes into the stand with the Plymouth fans.

Ben Davies has done so much running down the right-hand side and wins a corner for Portsmouth. Can he deliver?...

Plymouth make their first change as Hiram Boateng comes off for Ben Purrington, while Portsmouth bring off goalscorer and penalty winner Marc McNulty for Adam McGurk.

How would you play this game if you were either side? Would Portsmouth be happy to go to Home Park knowing they needed to win there to reach Wembley? Would Plymouth risk sitting back to see out the game?

In the meantime, Plymouth make a rare foray into the Portmouth half, but Gregg Wylde's cross is too long for Jamille Matt.

Image source, Rex Features

Portsmouth are keeping the ball well inside the Plymouth half but they can't seem to find a killer pass to prise open the visitors. Pompey's Gareth Evans does have a strike from outside the area after picking up a loose clearance, but his effort is way way way off target.

Adam Williams
BBC Sport at Fratton Park

"For the first real time, this tie has calmed down somewhat.

"However, it's still on a knife edge and you sense neither side wants to concede the next goal and be behind going into Sunday's return leg.

"Plymouth have seen less of the ball in this half, but have been content to let Pompey do the majority of the running."

After that Jervis injury, there just seems to be a bit of a lull in the game for the first time. I can't believe I've just said that given how this match has panned out so far.

Both sides will have the second leg in mind though.

Image source, Rex Features

A break in play now as Plymouth winger Jake Jervis is down injured. That gives us all a chance to breath with just 20 minutes to go in this semi-final first leg.

Luke McCormick has looked more capable in the Plymouth goal, and he does very well to hold on to a dangerous Ben Davies cross even though he was stretching backwards.