Oxford United head into the international break with a third successive draw, this time at Portsmouth.
The U’s fell behind early in the second half but Louie Sibley netted his first Oxford goal to level the match.
Here are three talking points from the game.
Oxford United Draw at Portsmouth
Jamie Cumming
Arguably a man of the match performance for the Oxford number one. Pompey were awarded a spot kick in the opening three minutes of the game but the former Chelsea man kept out the penalty.
He commanded his area and kept the hosts out on several occasions, but was unable to deny Pompey’s opening goal.
Besides the goal, he was beaten twice but Sam Long and Sibley both made goal line clearances, highlighting how well he organised his defenders.
Kioso Vs Murphy
There was a lot of noise regarding former U’s winger Josh Murphy in what was his first appearance against his former club since leaving in the summer.
Up against summer signing Peter Kioso, it was a ding-dong battle throughout the afternoon.
On the whole, Kioso, who has been called up to represent DR Congo this week, had the better of the former Oxford man and will be pleased with his display.
However, Murphy did get the better on one occasion when his cross was headed in for the Pompey opener.
Even when Kioso was booked, he stuck to his game plan and marshalled Murphy excellently.
Oxford United Wasted Chances
Both teams had chances in this game. In the first half, Mark Harris scuffed an effort wife after good play from Ruben Rodrigues while the former struck wide from a deep Ciaron Brown cross.
Idris El Mizouni, with the help of a deflection, ran the entire length of the pitch before seeing his low effort tipped wide, while Rodrigues and Harris missed further chances.
After the break, Sibley replaced Rodrigues and netted a 20-yard strike just moments after coming on.
The U’s could have won it just minutes later when Siriki Dembele ran into space but failed to hit the target from inside the box.
