Bolton 1 Portsmouth 1: Neil Allen's verdict - See you again next year in League One as honourable draw destroys both teams' fading play-off hopes

Aiden O'Brien runs at the Bolton defence in the first half of the League One clash. Picture: Philip Bryan/ProSportsImages

And so, a draw failed to advance either side’s play-off aspirations, not that they truly ever represented a realistic target.

In truth, such ambition was beyond both clubs heading into tonight’s the rain-drenched University of Bolton encounter.

Before the match it was 10th against 11th, with Pompey 11 points adrift of sixth place, while Bolton were 12.

A case of honours shared has now all but vanquished hopes of breaking into the top six for both former Premier League stalwarts.

The 1-1 draw, though, will be viewed with greater frustration by Danny Cowley’s men, who looked comfortable and appeared destined to claim the victory.

When Aiden O’Brien converted Marcus Harness’ pull back from the byline on 50 minutes, it handed the visitors a lead to cap some enterprising play on the night.

Suddenly, after a 17-day absence of League One football, the Blues were contemplating victory – and potentially remaining in that congested play-off hunt.

Yet misfortune was to befall them 14 minutes from time in the form of Hayden Carter accidentally clipping the heels of substitute Elias Kachunga.

The penalty handed ex-target Kieran Sadlier the chance to level from the penalty spot, albeit very much against the run of play.

Until that point, Sean Raggett had marshalled a Blues back four superbly, ensuring they had a firm grasp of the match to see out a win.

Instead Cowley’s troops couldn’t find another goal to regain their advantage and the game petered out into a result which didn’t do either club much good.

It leaves Pompey 12 points off the play-offs with two matches in hand – sadly far too much to do this season.

In the process it books both sides two opportunities to face each other next term in League One, a backdrop neither will want to stick around in for much longer.

The last time the Blues played was on March 19 for a goalless draw against Wycombe at Fratton Park – and for the visit to Bolton there were three changes.

Of that Chairboys line-up, out went Tyler Walker, Mahlon Romeo and Ryan Tunnicliffe, who all dropped to the bench.