PETERSFIELD showed real steel in this midweek clash, fighting back twice to earn a deserved point at Love Lane.
Portsmouth Royal Navy could have been forgiven if their minds were not on the game, given events unfolding thousands of miles away.
RN came to Petersfield without manager Bob Brady who was on standby for the Gulf War, but caretaker boss Danny Sharratt made sure his side were focused on the job in hand.
The Navy made a bright start and forced an early save from Lloyd Patilla in the home goal.
Town looked nervous at the back and struggled to clear their lines as RN continued to pressurise.
But any thoughts that Petersfield were still reeling from their heavy defeat by Winchester the week before were soon dispelled as they began to settle and create some good chances.
The RN 'keeper was forced to make a good reflex save and another solid header from a free-kick came back off the post.
But just as Petersfield were finding their rhythm they were stunned by an effort that is sure to cause fierce debate in the Royal Navy bar.
Craig Merrick's 25-yard lob from the right left Patilla stranded as it dipped into the left corner, but the issue of sublime skill or good fortune was one to be settled later.
Petersfield did not let their heads drop and came out fighting in the second half.
They drew level in the 50th minute when Micky Cripps struck the ball home from 10 yards after RN failed to clear a corner.
They should have taken the lead minutes later, but the close-range effort from a ball cut back from the right was blocked by a defender.
Town failed to capitalise on their momentum and on 75 minutes found themselves chasing the game again.
This time there could be no doubt about Merrick's goal from an identical position to his first. His 25-yard short curled into the top corner, leaving Patilla with no chance.
But Petersfield remained resilient and pushed for an equaliser in the dying minutes.
They got their reward when Kevin Holland latched on to a cross from the right and duly tucked the ball home.
And Petersfield should have capped their fighting performance with a winner deep into injury time, but the headed chance went begging.
Petersfield manager Bruce Kendall will have been pleased with the point after last week's six-nil mauling at the hands of Winchester City.
And he will be hoping that the result will restore Petersfield's confidence and they can return to the winning ways that have seen them lose only one game in the last eight.
RN caretaker boss Danny Sharratt was also happy to make the short trip home with a point in the bag.
"I think it was quite an even game. Craig Merrick played well and it was nice to get a point under the belt to stop our string of losses," he said.