Conor Chaplin shares message Ipswich Town & Portsmouth fans will both love | OneFootball

Conor Chaplin took to Instagram after his late goal secured Portsmouth all three points at Middlesbrough on Saturday.

Portsmouth remain one point above the relegation zone after a remarkable 1-0 win at Middlesbrough.

John Mousinho’s men have had a tough campaign, and they made the long trip to Teesside without a win in eight games, which has left them firmly in a relegation battle.

However, despite having just 29% possession and one shot on target, Pompey left the Riverside Stadium with all three points after Conor Chaplin deflected Adrian Segecic’s effort past Sol Brynn with the last play of the game.

With Oxford winning, the goal ensured Portsmouth didn’t fall into the bottom three, and they will now hope to take advantage of their game in hand when Ipswich visit Fratton Park in the week.

Conor Chaplin reacts to Portsmouth’s dramatic win over Middlesbrough

That could be a defining result for Portsmouth in their survival bid, and the manner of the victory will only strengthen the spirit at the club.

Whilst Boro dominated possession, Pompey did manage to restrict them to few clear chances, and they were on course to get what would have been a creditable point.

Yet, Chaplin’s goal sparked wild celebrations in the away end and on the pitch, and it’s the sort of win that can ensure they head into the final five games with real momentum.

Chaplin has endured a tough campaign since his return to Fratton Park, but that goal will be remembered if they stay up, and the attacker took to Instagram to reflect on a great day for Pompey, as he shared images of the celebrations after the game.

“A big Saturday afternoon all round,” he posted on social media, along with a party emoji.

That goal had extra meaning for Chaplin, as whilst his primary concern is helping Portsmouth, inflicting a defeat on Middlesbrough was also very well received by parent club Ipswich.

Chaplin was appreciated at Ipswich after starring in their rise from League One to the Premier League, but, as he fell down the pecking order, a loan to Pompey was finalised.

Kieran McKenna’s side are battling Millwall and Middlesbrough for the second automatic promotion spot, and their win over Norwich, combined with the Lions and Boro, means they are in a commanding position to go up with Coventry.

Portsmouth must show that fighting spirit in the final five games

There won’t have been many neutrals who expected Pompey to win at Boro, and there’s no denying they had to suffer for large periods without the ball.

But, to their credit, they defended well, and it was a real team effort, with Chaplin and Colby Bishop setting the tone from the front.

Mousinho’s side were on course for a good point, but Chaplin did so well to manoeuvre his body to steer Segecic’s shot into the net, and he also should be praised for staying onside.

It was a goal that had huge consequences for the top and bottom of the Championship, and it would have been cheered as much in Ipswich as it was on the south coast.

Now, it’s about building on that for Portsmouth, although another huge challenge awaits against the Tractor Boys on Tuesday, and they will have to do without Chaplin against his parent club.