Thomas Gaardsoe prevented Portsmouth from regaining their five-point lead at the top of Division One, netting an equaliser for Ipswich in a thrilling game at Fratton Park.

Leicester closed within two points of Harry Redknapp's leaders by winning at Brighton on Friday.

But Pompey looked like pulling clear again when Svetoslav Todorov scored his 12th goal of the season in the 19th minute.

However, Gaardsoe's strike earned Ipswich a deserved draw, and Joe Royle will be disappointed not to have left with all three points.

Portsmouth showed their class in the 17th minute, as Todorov forced Andy Marshall into a save, but Matthew Taylor sent the ball in again, and the Bulgarian converted.

Ipswich were stung into action and, four minutes later, Pablo Counago hit the crossbar.

Counago's strike partner Richard Naylor was equally unlucky after 33 minutes when he also struck the woodwork with a left-foot volley.

But he should have done better than putting the ball wide as he connected with a Fabian Wilnis centre.

Steve Stone, signed by the hosts on a free transfer from Aston Villa this week, and Paul Merson both went close to doubling the lead before the break.

But Ipswich only had to wait nine minutes into the second half when Gaardsoe's downward header from Jim Magilton's corner bounced into the net.

Wilnis made fine blocks from Taylor and Todorov as Portsmouth tried to regain the lead.

Arjan de Zeeuw had a header saved, while at the other end Ipswich substitute Marcus Bent and Hermann Hreidarsson header over the crossbar both forced great saves from Shaka Hislop

But despite the waves of attacks, neither side could secure three points and Ipswich ended the match on a low note as Chris Makin was sent off near the end.

Portsmouth: Hislop, Primus, Foxe, De Zeeuw, Stone, Merson, Diabate, Quashie, Taylor, Todorov, Burton. Subs: Kawaguchi, O'Neil, Ritchie, Burchill, Harper.

Ipswich: Marshall, Makin, Gaardsoe, Hreidarsson, Wilnis, Holland, Magilton, Tommy Miller, Clapham, Naylor, Counago. Subs: Pullen, Wright, Ambrose, Darren Bent, Marcus Bent.

Referee: G Barber (Hertfordshire)