It was just like watching his father Peter during his pomp at Manchester United.
The first was a reflex flick to his right hand side from a Dave Kitson header, when it looked certain the ball was going in to the net.
The second was a dive, low to his left to beat away a Hayden Mullins piledriver from outside of the penalty box, the shot coming after David Norris had blasted the ball against the post.
They were two memorable moments from a game that improved considerably in the second half after a tentative first period from both teams, finding their way under newly appointed managers: Michael Appleton recently appointed by Pompey, from the WBA backroom staff and Nigel Pearson, returning to Leicester from Hull City.
Pompey's starting line-up included both new loan signings from WBA: Joe Mattock at left back and George Thorne in midfield.
Tal Ben Haim dropped to the bench where he was joined in an experienced group of players of Ashdown, Kanu, Mokoena and Benjani.
Luke Varney dropped out of the match day squad with an injury.
Liam Lawrence was still missing and David Norris retained the skipper's armband.
Pompey opened the scoring in the second half with a deflected shot from David Norris.
Leicester equalised through old-boy David Nugent, with a fine right footed shot from distance that escaped Henderson's dive low to his right hand side. Nugent's celebrations were low-key and respectful to the Fratton Faithful, despite his colleagues attempts to lift him high in the air
Those watching the Foxes' players warm-up before the match would not have been surprised that Nugent's long range strike hit the target. The players completed a prolonged period of long-distance shooting practice before the whistle. Practice makes perfect? Possibly, although Nugent certainly wasn't the greatest exponent before play started!
On reflection a draw was probably a fair result, although Pompey had much the better of the second half action.
The two Pompey loanees added some much needed energy and enthusiasm to the team. Mattock made one or two minor errors at left back but there was one moment in the second half where he managed to get beyond his man and send in a very telling cross. He did try to overlap down the left on a number of occasions and it was no surprise that he tired towards the end of the game.
Thorne looked a natural in midfield and showed some good moments of composure, beyond his tender years.
It was a promising start for both of the youngsters and with the hard work that Ward and Pearce always put in to their game the team got a substantial energy lift.
So, a first point won for Michael Appleton, during his first home game. Still work to do, of course, but this performance was so much better than that shown at Watford, especially during the second half.
FT: Portsmouth 1-1 Leicester City
Pictures
Portsmouth versus Leicester City: Stephen Henderson, Greg Halford, Ricardo Rocha, Jason Pearce, Joe Mattock, George Thorne, Hayden Mullins, Joel Ward, David Norris, Erik Huseklepp, Dave Kitson.
Pompey MOTM: the official award went to Ricardo Rocha.
Attendance: 14,391
Next up for Pompey: Coventry City at Fratton Park on Saturday December 3rd, 3PM
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