Oxford United stretched their unbeaten run to twelve games in competitions after Matty Taylor scored an injury-time equaliser in a 1-1 draw at Portsmouth.
The run has seen the U’s move up to fourth in League One and reach the quarter-finals the Carabao Cup for the first time since 1988 following wins over West Ham United and Sunderland.
Matty Taylor Goal Highlights Unbeaten Mentality at Oxford United
Losing Not an Option at Oxford
An injury-hit Oxford side travelled to the south coast in buoyant mood. Following the penalty shootout win over Sunderland, Karl Robinson’s side were drawn against current holders Manchester City in the last eight.
Taylor’s header wasn’t the first time that the U’s have left it late, showcasing that the players will give all until the final whistle.
In the second round of the Carabao Cup, Oxford were two goals down with five minutes remaining against Millwall, but the U’s clawed their way back and progressed on penalties.
Then the following weekend, Oxford were two goals down at home to Coventry City, and although the Sky Blues regained the lead in stoppage time, the U’s still salvaged a point.
These two results came before the U’s last defeat – a 2-1 loss at Fleetwood Town back in September, but the spirit was there.
Following the loss at Fleetwood, Oxford secured a record-breaking away win in the Football League, winning 6-0 at Lincoln City, before smashing four past West Ham in the cup.
The U’s then recorded four successive 3-0 home wins on the bounce, before an impressive away win at Rotherham United, where Taylor scored the winner.
Tough Test at Portsmouth
Portsmouth headed into the game in a lowly 16th, with manager Kenny Jackett under pressure from his position.
Pompey gave a good account for themselves and took a deserved lead but Oxford, who are without seven key players through injury, rallied together with 20 minutes remaining and got their just rewards.
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