Oxford United lost back-to-back games with a 2-1 defeat at league leaders, Portsmouth.
The U’s fell behind inside two minutes but levelled just four minutes later through Cameron Brannagan. However, Pompey hit Oxford on the break to add a second and finish the game off.
Here are three talking points from the game.
Fine Margins
When Jamie Cumming made a mistake for Pompey’s opener and Oxford hit the post twice, you sensed it could be one of them afternoons.
Cumming will make the stop more than he won’t and will be frustrated at gifting the hosts an early lead, particularly after his display against Leyton Orient.
At the other end, Mark Harris and Josh Murphy both struck the post but the U’s, who were arguably the better side, failed to take the lead.
Portsmouth’s winner also came with a mistake from Ciaron Brown, with the defender mistiming a tackle and allowing the striker through on goal.
Wingers
With Tyler Goodrham missing with a quad injury and Tyler Burey once again left out of the matchday squad, there was a big ask for the Oxford wingers.
Murphy has been one of Oxford’s best players in recent weeks and he put in another promising display.
On the flip side, Owen Dale has struggled to get going since his deadline-day arrival in January. However, the former Blackpool man looked lively and was a threat throughout, creating several opportunities. The pair made a real impact.
Best Performance Under Buckingham?
A frustrating question when his side came away from Fratton Park with nothing, but the performance could bode well for the remaining ten games.
Oxford were arguably the better side over the course of the 90 minutes and should have left the south coast with more than they did. They hit Pompey on the break, looked a threat in attack and moved the ball with purpose.
Granted, it was another defeat but the performance could boost confidence ahead of some crucial fixtures.
