A LATE winner from Portsmouth teenager Rowan Vine gave a small Fratton Park crowd firm hope that brighter days may be just around the corner at Fratton Park.

The 18-year-old youth team striker was only called into the action for the final ten minutes.

However, he soon made his presence felt, chasing a ball deep into the area to send a left-footed effort across substitute keeper Simon Royce and into the far corner.

Indeed, Vine may not have had the opportunity to score at all, had it not been for the eagle eye of referee Rob Styles. He refused to blow his whistle after both Peter Crouch and Courteney Pitt were fouled deep in the area even before the ball reached the lurking Vine.

Leicester must consider themselves unfortunate not to have taken the lead when Dean Sturridge was on hand to touch a Dennis Wise cross beyond Chris Tardif, only for the young keeper to drag it back into play from over the line.

Despite long and loud appeals, the referee waved for play to continue.

But with Wise in irresistible form in midfield, spraying passes this way and that, justice was seen to be done minutes later.

A corner on the right was floated in by Wise and central defender Darren Moore held Gary Rowett as he moved to meet the ball. The referee had no hesitation in awarding a penalty, which Muzzy Izzet duly despatched.

Pompey had their moments and went close on several occasions through Bradbury, Mike Panopoulos and Crouch.

Former Saints keeper Tim Flowers answered the banter he received from the Pompey fans behind his goal in the KJC stand in a most positive way, getting down well to save a low free kick from Panopoulos.

However, he limped off after 26 minutes with a back injury related to a long-term hip problem.

After the interval, the Foxes made numerous changes and Pompey took full advantage, grabbing a 70th minute equaliser.

Another Dell old boy, Scott Hiley, played a leading role, hoisting a ball from distance into the area where Courtney Pitt was clearly held as he lined up his finish - Lee Bradbury blasting home the penalty.

Afterwards, Pompey manager Graham Rix was pleased to see the team improve even more after their draw at Brentford in midweek. "I saw signs we are beginning to look a good side", said Rix. "Against Leicester all the hardwork we have done in training proved dividends. So to beat a Premiership side can only lift the players."

Vine was delighted with his goal but thought it was going to be ruled out: "As I hit the ball, the referee blew his whistle and so I thought he had given a penalty for the foul on Peter Crouch.

"When I turned I saw everyone running towards me so then I realised the goal had been given."