Wolves Held by Portsmouth as Terry Devlin Strikes Late at Molineux

Wolverhampton Wanderers were forced to settle for a point after Portsmouth produced a late comeback to earn a 1-1 draw at Molineux on Tuesday night.

Wolves appeared to be on course for another important Championship victory when Jordan James put the hosts ahead in the second half. However, Portsmouth refused to give up and were rewarded four minutes from normal time when Terry Devlin produced a superb finish to level the contest.

The result will feel like two points dropped for Wolves, particularly after they controlled much of the second half and created enough opportunities to extend their advantage. Portsmouth, meanwhile, can take plenty of encouragement from their resilience and their ability to remain in the contest until the final stages.

The opening 45 minutes offered little in the way of attacking excitement. Both teams struggled to create clear openings, with Wolves enjoying more of the ball but finding it difficult to turn their possession into a serious threat.

Wolves had 58 per cent possession across the match and registered 15 attempts compared with Portsmouth’s eight. The hosts also recorded seven efforts inside the box, highlighting their greater attacking presence, although their finishing prevented them from making that pressure count on the scoreboard.

Portsmouth’s best opportunity of the first half came after a dangerous free-kick caused problems in the Wolves defence. Rocco Shein eventually got a sight of goal, but his low effort went wide.

Wolves manager Cesar Peixoto responded at half-time by making two changes, introducing Jordan James and Tawanda Chirewa in an attempt to inject more energy into the attack. The decision quickly paid dividends as the home side became considerably more threatening after the interval.

Chirewa came close to breaking the deadlock when he rattled the crossbar with a powerful effort. Mateus Mane and Fer López also went close as Wolves continued to push Portsmouth deeper into their own half.

The pressure finally produced a goal in the 62nd minute.

James combined with López before receiving the ball in a dangerous position, and the substitute made no mistake with a fierce low first-time finish that beat Portsmouth goalkeeper Nicolas Schmid at his near post.

The goal looked as though it would be enough to secure maximum points for Wolves, especially with the hosts continuing to threaten after taking the lead.

Portsmouth, however, remained within touching distance.

The visitors had struggled to test Wolves goalkeeper José Sá for much of the match, but their persistence eventually paid off. In the 86th minute, a free-kick was sent into the area and the initial delivery was headed clear. The ball fell kindly for Devlin, who controlled it before producing an excellent volley into the corner.

It was a moment of quality that completely changed the mood inside Molineux.

Devlin’s finish gave Portsmouth renewed belief while Wolves were suddenly under pressure to recover the lead they had worked so hard to establish.

Wolves still had opportunities to win the match in the closing minutes. Chirewa forced another important save from Schmid, while the hosts continued to search for a second goal. Portsmouth held firm, however, and ensured that their late equaliser was enough to secure a valuable away point.

The statistics underline how much Wolves controlled the match without being clinical enough. They recorded 15 shots to Portsmouth’s eight and had seven attempts blocked, while both sides registered two shots on target according to the match statistics. Neither team was awarded a penalty, and both sides missed one big chance.

For Wolves, the disappointment will come from failing to turn their second-half dominance into three points. James’ introduction had an immediate impact, while Chirewa also caused problems after coming on.

Portsmouth, on the other hand, showed excellent character. They were unable to register a shot on target until Devlin’s equaliser, but they remained organised enough to stay alive in the contest and eventually punished Wolves for not putting the game beyond them.

A Missed Opportunity for Wolves

The result will be particularly frustrating for Wolves because they had enough control of the game to claim all three points. Their 58 per cent possession showed that they were able to dictate large periods of the contest, while their 15 attempts on goal also reflected their willingness to attack.

However, Portsmouth’s defensive organisation made it difficult for the home side to find a second goal. Seven of Wolves’ efforts were blocked, showing how often the visitors managed to get bodies in the way when the pressure increased. The hosts also recorded seven attempts from inside the penalty area, but their inability to make those opportunities count ultimately proved costly.

For Portsmouth, the draw was a reward for their persistence. They did not dominate possession or create as many chances as their opponents, but they stayed disciplined and waited for their opportunity. When it finally arrived late in the game, Devlin showed the composure required to take advantage.

The late equaliser also demonstrated how quickly a Championship match can change. Wolves had spent much of the second half chasing a second goal, only for Portsmouth to find a way back into the contest with just minutes remaining. Instead of leaving Molineux empty-handed, Pompey returned home with a valuable point.

For both teams, the performance offered positives as well as areas that will need improvement. Wolves will want to become more clinical when they are on top, while Portsmouth can build confidence from the way they refused to surrender despite spending long periods without the ball.
Man of the Match: Terry Devlin

Terry Devlin was the standout performer and the Man of the Match.

The Portsmouth right-back delivered when his team needed him most, scoring the 86th-minute equaliser with a composed first touch and powerful volley. His goal rescued a point for Pompey and ensured that Wolves’ strong second-half performance did not result in victory.

Devlin’s contribution was particularly significant because Portsmouth had struggled to create clear opportunities throughout the evening. His late intervention provided the decisive moment of quality that changed the outcome.

The draw also continues a positive personal year for Devlin, who has been recognised as Portsmouth’s 2026 player of the year.

For Wolves, James will take confidence from another important goal after being introduced from the bench. His ability to make an immediate impact could prove valuable as the Championship campaign develops.

Ultimately, though, the night belonged to Portsmouth.

Wolves had the greater share of possession, more shots and most of the attacking pressure, but Portsmouth demonstrated the importance of staying in a match until the final whistle. Devlin’s late strike ensured the visitors left Molineux with a point, while Wolves were left to reflect on a missed opportunity.

The 1-1 draw leaves both sides with something to take away, but the emotions could hardly have been more different. Portsmouth will celebrate a hard-earned point on the road, while Wolves will know that their dominance needed to be converted into a more decisive result.