Pompey, who have nothing left to play for but pride, arguably shaded a very ordinary encounter, Aaron Mokoena and Hermann Hreidarsson sending what clear chances there were off target.
Ritchie De Laet and Dave Kitson both picked up injuries and Cotterill expressed his frustration at the lack of options in his squad.
He said: "It's a little bit of deja-vu I felt. I thought we had gone full circle right back to the beginning of the season.
"I don't know whether the words `pathetically thin' or `sorrowful' describe our squad. I don't know which one it is.
"We just can't afford any injuries. You saw how light we were and that's how it has been all season. Although I might get 11 on the pitch, I have to ask where they are physically, and where are they mentally."
Source: PA
Source: PA