Report by Ben Davis

The performance was certainly better than that against Ipswich on Boxing Day, but those leaving Fratton Park after the match would have felt disappointed. To achieve league safety you must beat your fellow strugglers at home, so the pressure is now on. Alan Ball's Christmas tree formation used in the first half was a complete flop and it is probably the last time it'll be seen as at half time he switched to his favoured 4-4-2 which gave Pompey more attacking options.
Despite criticising all of the players after their Ipswich debacle, Ball kept the same side with Claridge staying on his own up front. Perhaps Ball's thinking was to give them a chance to do better and show just how good they are. Oxford's side included Nicky Banger. He was released from Southampton when Ball was manager, so he had a point to prove as well as the Pompey players.
Pompey started the better and it became clear how low on confidence Oxford were. Their first touch wasn't always a good one and their record signing Dean Windass was struggling to get involved. Still though chances were limited. Oxford's on loan goalkeeper from Everton Paul Gerrard almost gifted Pompey a goal when he collided with one of his defenders. The ball luckily for him bounced wide of goal.
The best opening for Pompey came when Claridge got behind Oxford's defence on the right, but his pull back missed two on rushing players. Oxford though increasingly became the more dominant team and a minute before the break they scored.
Banger got ahead of Perrett and his first effort was brilliantly saved by Petterson. The angle was tight from the rebound, but the striker managed to fire it in. He then decided to see what the Fratton End thought of it and consequently he was abused for the rest of the game.
During half-time new striker Sven Andreasson and Luke Nightingale warmed up which suggested one or both were going to start the second half. It was the Norwegian who came on for the out of form Thorgersen. David Hillier reverted the right back with Igoe moving to the right side of midfield.
Only three minutes had elapsed when Pompey equalised. Claridge typically held the ball up, twisted and turned, before slipping a pass through to Igoe. A defender looked certain to intercept the pass but he slipped and from Igoe's cross Claridge headed past Gerrard. That at last woke a fairly subdued crowd up as Pompey looked a good bet to go on and get another goal.
Oxford though read the script wrong and Pompey had to thank Petterson as he pulled off a string of outstanding saves to keep the scores level. When one of Joey Beauchamp's superb corners deflected to Banger at the far post, it looked as though the striker had to score. His downward header was somehow turned over the bar by Petterson using his legs.
After Pompey failed to properly clear an Oxford attack Smith's volley from 20-yards looked destined for the net until Petterson flung himself to his right to push it away.
Pompey were given a good opportunity to score again, this time via the penalty spot. Andreasson and Oxford's Robinson went up for a high ball and when the Norwegian fell to the floor clutching his face referee Eddie Lomas awarded a penalty. Claridge coolly sent Gerrard the wrong way and it appeared Pompey were on for the three points.
The lead only lasted three minutes though as Banger struck again. Like his first goal Petterson saved his first effort. Some shambolic defending allowed the striker time to score off the post from a shot from the edge of the area.
Beauchamp was then sent off for a wild two footed challenge on Perrett. One fan in the South Stand thought it was so bad that he had to go onto the pitch and shove the Oxford man. After all the commotion had calmed down Oxford switched to more defensive tactics whilst Ball replaced Hillier with the more suited right back, Pethick.
Pethick straight away was charging up and down the right wing and when the ball fell loose in Oxford's area he lost his head and horribly missed the target. So a draw it was which means Pompey are still only point off the bottom three with their next League game at high flying Watford, tough times are ahead.