Oxford United were unable to pick up a vital three points against relegation rivals Portsmouth as the two sides played out an entertaining draw at Fratton Park.
Pompey took an early lead but were reduced to ten men soon after. However, goals from Brodie Spencer and Will Lankshear turned the tide but the hosts netted a late leveller.
Here are three talking points from the game.
Read More: Three Memorable Oxford United Wins at Fratton Park
Oxford United Draw at Portsmouth
Poor Start
Heading into this game, the first goal was always going to be crucial and Oxford would have been frustrated by allowing Pompey an early advantage.
The hosts took the lead inside ten minutes, meaning Matt Bloomfield’s side have shipped early goals in each of their last three matches.
While John Mousinho’s side were reduced to ten men shortly after, it was far from an ideal start in such an important game.
Spirit to Come From Behind
However, despite the early setback, Oxford did well to get themselves back into the game.
While they still trailed at the break, Brodie Spencer netted his first Oxford goal after a Stan Mills effort was only parried into the path of the onrushing Northern Ireland international.
Then, with just under ten minutes remaining, the U’s probably thought they snatched the winner when Michal Helik’s delicate cross was met superbly by top-scorer, Will Lankshear, who powered his header home.
Prior to this game, Oxford had only come from behind to win twice this season, with this being just the fifth time they’ve rescued a point after conceding first.
Late Heartbreak
But that winning feeling was short-lived when Portsmouth scored from the second phase of a late corner.
The U’s were too slow to regroup and reposition as the hosts swooped the ball past Jamie Cumming for the leveller.
It will also be a blow to concede so late, as was the case just a few weeks ago when Oxford welcomed Charlton at Grenoble Road, with the Addicks bagging themselves a late equaliser.
Featured image courtesy of SmartFrame/Focus Images Limited
