An outstanding display from Newcastle keeper Shay Given denied Portsmouth a first home win of the season.
The home fans were chanting under-fire manager Alain Perrin's name after an impressive first half in which Given twice saved from striker Dario Silva.
Newcastle struggled without the injured Michael Owen and a Charles N'Zogbia cross-shot was as close as they came.
Given once again came to his side's rescue after the break with two wonderful saves from Matthew Taylor.
Pompey's enterprising display, if not the result, was justification for chairman Milan Mandaric's programme notes in which he gave Perrin his full support.
Deploying three banks of three with Uruguayan Silva up front in the absence of illness victim Lomana LuaLua, Perrin's side gave Newcastle a torrid time.
Jean Alain Boumsong's superb last-ditch tackle to stop Zvonomir Vukic from shooting followed Given's saves from Silva.
Newcastle relied on in-form winger N'Zogbia for their attacking impetus and the Frenchman almost handed the Magpies a lead they hardly deserved just before half-time.
His cross deceived the Portsmouth defence and keeper Jamie Ashdown scrambled the ball away.
Newcastle boss Graeme Souness was forced into a change at half-time, with Robbie Elliott replacing the injured Celestine Babayaro.
He was immediately in the thick of the action as Portsmouth continued to impress, with Vukic just failing to reach Gary O'Neill's cross.
Vukic then turned provider but though Silva managed to reach his cross, the Uruguayan headed wide.
The home fans continued to urge their side on, but Given would not be beaten.
The Republic of Ireland keeper first managed to push Taylor's close-range volley onto the bar and then beat away the midfielder's left-foot shot from the resulting corner.
Portsmouth thought they might have had a penalty three minutes from time, but referee Steve Bennett booked Vukic for diving under Given's challenge and the hosts had to settle for a point.
Portsmouth boss Alain Perrin:
"We can't talk about bad luck. We have to score goals.
"The players gave everything but a draw at home is not enough.
"They played very well but we lacked a killer instinct inside the box. That is all that is missing at the moment."
Newcastle boss Graeme Souness:
"Our keeper kept us in game. He made three top-class saves.
"I'm not overly chuffed with a point but given the circumstances with the injuries we have got, I have to be reasonably pleased.
"We're having a horrendous time with injuries. Hopefully during the international break, we can get some of our injured players back."
Portsmouth: Ashdown, Priske, O'Brien, Stefanovic, Griffin (Songo'o 76), O'Neil, Diao (Hughes 69), Vukic, Taylor, Vignal, Silva.
Subs Not Used: Westerveld, Skopelitis, Karadas.
Booked: Vukic.
Newcastle: Given, Carr, Taylor, Boumsong, Babayaro (Elliott 45), Bowyer, Parker, Clark (Faye 88), N'Zogbia, Shearer, Ameobi.
Subs Not Used: Harper, Chopra, Brittain.
Booked: Taylor, Parker.
Att: 20,220
Ref: S Bennett (Kent).
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Ameobi is nowhere near good enough and its about time the management realised this
Five Live match report