Alex Gorrin slotted home a 69th-minute penalty to earn Oxford a 1-1 draw at in-form Portsmouth. Sean Raggett's first-half goal looked to have set fourth-placed Pompey on course for another victory as the hosts dominated the opening 45 minutes. Raggett nodded in powerfully from six yards from Republic of Ireland winger Ronan Curtis' teasing cross in the 19th minute. John Marquis passed up a glorious chance to extend Pompey's lead, while home defender Jack Whatmough was denied by the crossbar. Pompey goalkeeper Craig MacGillivray was largely a spectator until a triple substitution by Oxford just after the hour proved game-changing for the visitors. Oxford were awarded a spot-kick when a determined run by Dan Agyei was ended illegally by Whatmough and Gorrin levelled expertly from 12 yards. There followed a number of half-chances at both ends but neither side possessed the quality or composure to score the winner.
Apologies there wasn't a proper matchday thread, but I was rushed into hospital late Monday evening again with another horrendous nose bleed, and wasn't discharged until this afternoon ! Still not 100% sure what the cause is, and awaiting further developments
Final Match Stats:- Home Team: Portsmouth ...........Away Team: Oxford Utd Possession: Home 53% Away 47% Shots: Home 13 Away 9 Shots on Target: Home 3 Away 3 Corners: Home 6 Away 1 Fouls: Home 18 Away 16
I knew it must be serious for there to be no initial match thread Woops so it is very good to hear from you.! Sounds like a time to take it as easy as possible. I have yet to watch the replay of the game so will comment after doing so.
Hope they get to the bottom of the trouble soonest. Best wishes for a speedy diagnosis remedy treatment and cure.
please log in to view this image I have just seen this photograph on one of the Pompey fan sites. Ronan Curtis being assaulted by Oxford Utd striker Matty Taylor after the final whistle ! A bit like Vinnie Jones on Gazza during a game many years ago. From memory, England Rugby Union player Joe Marler received a six week ban for "playfully" doing the same thing to the Welsh captain Alun Wynn Jones ! Standing behind Ronan is Oxford's 'orrible manager Karl Robinson. He obviously isn't too bothered by his player's actions. http://c.newsnow.co.uk/A/1056192112?-11209:804 Hope the Football League throw the book at him - the dirty animal
Have just watched the replay. Obviously disappointing to drop two points. The first half was lack lustre from both teams with the exception of Raggert's very well taken goal. Inability to get a second goal when dominating play for the first half hour of the 2nd half was the key stumbling block for Pompey. Oxford's substitutions improved their last 15mins. The purpose of Morris coming on was a mystery. He played a very deep role the intent of which may have been to allow Naylor to be more attacking but it didn't happen. The performance was slightly better than the result I thought with no individuals having poor games. Onward to Kings lynn and Blackpool.
Portsmouth and Oxford United have both been fined £2,500 by the FA for failing to control their players after a League One match at Fratton Park in November. The two sides drew 1-1 on 24 November but after the final whistle, players and coaches from both sides had to be separated as arguments continued. Both clubs admitted to failing to ensure they conducted themselves in an orderly fashion. Portsmouth unsuccessfully contested the fine while Oxford accepted it. Apparently, the FA have decided not to take any action against the disgusting Oxford player Matty Taylor for assaulting Ronan Curtis after the match. Strange that, seeing as they did ban a Preston player (Darnell Fisher for twice grabbing Sheffield Wednesday's Callum Paterson's genitals) for three matches a few days earlier !!
Same offence different outcome that gives you a warm inner glow of continuity of standards of behaviour................
