To mark Oxford United’s Milk Cup success 30 seasons ago, the Oxford Mail are delving into their archives to show how the run was reported round-by-round on the corresponding date this season.

Oxford United 3, Portsmouth 1

The Wembley dream gets closer! Oxford United are just 180 minutes from a coveted Milk Cup final – and how they deserve their chance after dominating an action packed quarter-final tie, writes John Ley.

The Milk Cup Manor magicians, who have done so well in this competition in the past three seasons, wrote another chapter in the club’s history by reaching a semi-final for the first time.

The luck which has deserted United throughout most of their first season in Division 1 suddenly appeared to assist their cup quest.

But they deserved this win against a disappointing Portsmouth outfit who despite their strong support never recovered from a second-minute body blow.

The fortune which gave United an early lead epitomised their play. They took complete control and finished at a canter.

Gary Briggs, back from a two match suspension, was the early scorer though he knew little of it when Les Phillips drove from 20 yards and saw his shot strike Briggs’ head to beat Pompey keeper Andy Gosney.

From that timely goal United lapped up the cream from this Milk Cup adventure with Division 2 promotion chasers Portsmouth left to collect the empties from a performance which did nothing to suggest they are ready for the First Division.

Further goals from the magnificent Les Phillips and Neil Slatter earned United a semi-final against Arsenal or Aston Villa, who drew 1-1 in Birmingham last night.

In Oxford’s first foray they won a right-sided corner. Kevin Brock, showing far more of his skills than of late, saw his kick headed out by Noel Blake, but only as far as Phillips.

His shot appeared to be wide but struck Briggs, changed direction and flew past Gosney.

Oxford Mail:

  • Portsmouth goalkeeper Andy Gosney is stranded as Les Phillips' strike takes a deflection off Gary Briggs for the opening goal

Pompey were stunned and never recovered.

Only winger Vince Hilaire offered any threat for Portsmouth while United continued to stamp their authority on the game.

It was no surprise when Phillips scored after 44 minutes – only his second goal for Oxford.

Houghton, who with Phillips had dominated midfield, weaved his way through defence on the night, taking advantage of a slip by rookie full-back Lee Sandford.

Phillips collected Houghton’s cut back and drove into the bottom left-hand corner.

At half-time the luckless Sandford was replaced, with substitute Gary Stanley moving to right back and Kenny Swain switching to the left and to their credit Pompey provided their best spell after the interval with Hilaire again the main problem causer.

Charles slid the ball inches wide before the Welshman was in the wars again. He was still carrying the scars of Saturday’s battle at Sheffield – a badly bruised eye and four stitches – when a clash of heads with Blake left him concussed and in need of two more stitches.

United had won a free kick five yards out of the Portsmouth area when Charles was lying flat out.

Stanley’s foul on Aldridge gave Oxford the kick, and as a battle worn Charles was led limping off the pitch, Brock quickly side stepped the kick and Slatter struck a low drive past the wall and into the bottom left hand corner.

Mark Jones replaced Charles, but now United were home and dry.

Pompey finally replied in the 90th minute when Stanley hit a quite magnificent left foot drive from 35 yards into the top right hand corner.

It was too late for Pompey, and didn’t bother United who have suddenly realised that in April they could be treading the famous Wembley turf.

Oxford United: Judge, Trewick, Slatter, Phillips, Briggs, Shotton, Houghton, Aldridge, Charles (Jones 66 min), Hebberd, Brock.

Portsmouth: Gosney, Swain, Sandford (Stanley HT), Dillon, Blake, Tait, O’Callaghan, Kennedy, Channon, Wood, Hilaire.

Referee: N Ashley (Nantwich).

Attendance: 10,334.

Fans stay away

United were watched by just 10,334 supporters last night – nearly 4,000 short of the club’s 14,200 capacity.

The missing fans were almost certainly carrying out the threatened ‘boycott’ after United increased admission prices for the Milk Cup quarter-final.

Manager Maurice Evans said: “It’s a pity some fans didn’t come to watch us move into the semi-finals, but talk of a boycott didn’t affect the players in any way. They never worry about anything like that."

Now United face an intriguing problem for the home leg of the semi-final – do they stay with the £5 (standing) and £10 (seat) prices charged last night… or will chairman Robert Maxwell put the prices up again?