Oxford United manager Karl Robinson has spoken of his delight that his depleted, injury-hit side managed to pick up a point at Portsmouth, extending their unbeaten run to 12 games in all competitions in the process.
The U’s fell behind in blustery conditions on the south coast after Gareth Evans converted from the penalty spot, but Matty Taylor rescued a deserved point injury time in front of the travelling 1,747 fans.
And with Cameron Brannagan, Chris Cadden and Ben Woodburn among the seven absentees, the U’s boss was pleased with the result.
Robinson told the Oxford Mail: “I don’t think I’ve celebrated a point like that. We are all over the place at the moment with injuries, it’s unbelievable.
“On Tuesday (against Sunderland) we had one of the most intense games we’ve had in a long time.
“We dealt with that and then you come to probably the most intense ground in the Football League. The players never gave in, I’m so proud of them.
Josh Ruffels also picked up a knock during the win and was replaced before the break, leaving the U’s boss to field a makeshift defence for the second half.
He added: “Our second choice right-back was at left-back. Our centre back was playing at left-back. Our striker playing off the wing, Jamo playing central midfield, so it was a crazy affair.
“Tariqe (Fosu) looked tired and I’m really pleased we dug something out.
Taylor, whose goal earned the U’s the point, also scored the winner in a previous away game at Rotherham, and Robinson praised the Bristol City loanee.
Robinson said: “It’s a replica of the goal against Rotherham, where he pulled off the centre back. His movement is fantastic and the header is sensational.
“We were getting a lot of stick from the (home) fans to our right, so when you get one like that it makes it a bit sweeter.”
Oxford travel to non-league Hayes and Yeading United in the first round of the FA Cup next Sunday, before welcoming Ipswich Town in League One.
