“We had just about run out of ideas and, to be fair, on the counter-attack they were a threat.

“And they scored a goal – it was a goal. I thought ours was a goal last week (against Stoke) and theirs was a goal today.”

Pompey manager Avram Grant felt his side’s defeat at Everton summed up their miserable season.

Anthony Vanden Borre had a legitimate goal disallowed when he sidefooted home just before the hour only to see his effort incorrectly ruled out for offside.

Grant said: “It is disappointing but typical.

“Again we scored a goal – I don’t know why the decision was a disallowed goal because there were two players on the line.

“It is not the first time this has happened.

“We defended well, had some good attacks and scored a goal, so we deserved to win.

“They scored a fantastic goal in the last moment but it was a good performance.”

Grant was fined for improper conduct after storming onto the field to rant at a referee earlier this season but kept his emotions in check this time.

The Israeli added: “I didn’t say anything because it was the last game – but it is not the first time it has happened to us.

“I don’t understand what happened, maybe the linesman slipped a bit.

“There was no reason not to give it.”

Grant could at least reflect on an encouraging performance as he now begins his preparations for next week’s FA Cup final.

“We stopped them,” he said. “We know they are a very good team and have beaten some big teams here.

“Even when they passed the ball well they didn’t have many chances.

“We passed it well, especially in the second half and I think it was a good performance.”