Portsmouth 1 Cheltenham 1: Neil Allen's verdict - Danny Cowley's curious hoodoo strikes again as lack of cutting edge costs Blues

Reeco Hackett celebrates netting Pompey' first-half leveller against Cheltenham. Picture: Robin Jones/Digital South

Danny Cowley’s midweek hoodoo struck again as the Blues failed to overcome Cheltenham under the lights.

Granted, the Fratton Park encounter could have ended in defeat, Pompey requiring to fight back from behind.

Nonetheless, the 1-1 draw still represented a disappointing outcome for the hosts against a side below them in the league.

Curiously, it also made it one win in eight Tuesday night matches this season, signifying something of a jinx for the Blues boss.

Not that an inability to beat the Robins should be excused, this was no hard luck story.

Reeco Hackett levelled Lewis Freestone’s sixth-minute goal in rather fortuitous manner to ensure the sides entered the interval at 1-1.

Yet while Cowley’s men lifted themselves for the second period, they didn’t carve out sufficient chances to claim victory.

In fact, considering large portions of the second half were spent in the Robins’ side of the pitch, the absence of further Pompey goals was hugely irritating.

The impressive Sean Raggett had a header saved, John Marquis saw a decent shot stopped, Ronan Curtis crashed one over, and there were other close opportunities.

But not nearly enough was offered in attacking terms to break down a stubborn Cheltenham, who, to be truthful, were largely comfortable at the back.

That disappointment prompted a few boos among the Fratton faithful at the final whistle, with such frustration understandable.

Still, Cowley can point to three games unbeaten since that Ipswich debacle which remains so raw, yielding five points.

Now Pompey head into a period of two cup fixtures as this stuttering season continues.

Louis Thompson was handed his maiden League One start for Pompey, following several encouraging substitute outings.

Previously the 26-year-old had started only in the Papa John’s Trophy for the Blues, for fixtures against AFC Wimbledon and Sutton United.

Yet he replaced Shaun Williams, who dropped to the bench having started 11 successive league fixtures.

In addition, Joe Morrell came in for the injured Ryan Tunnicliffe after being benched on Saturday as a precaution with a tight groin.

The midfield pair represented two changes to the Pompey side which defeated Bolton 1-0 for a second win in 14 matches in all competitions.

With Tunnicliffe missing from the match-day 18 with his leg problem, Gassan Ahadme was recalled to the bench after drifting away from the first-team frame in recent months.