FORMER Oxford United captain John Mousinho offered some glowing praise of the U’s, after watching his Portsmouth team edge to three points at Fratton Park.

Callum Lang opened the scoring for Pompey after just two minutes, however Cameron Brannagan brought United level from the penalty spot four minutes later.

Mark Harris and Josh Murphy both smacked efforts against the post for the U’s, who were harshly punished when substitute Christian Saydee nudged Portsmouth back in front midway through the second half.

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Mousinho told the Portsmouth News: “It was two good teams going at it trying to play good football.

“Sometimes when you press high like both sides did, it can leave you a bit exposed at the back.

“Both sides felt the crunch a couple of times, but it was an enjoyable game to watch, though not always if you’re the head coach of both sides.

“It was a really good advert for League One and my assessment is Oxford can count themselves unlucky not to come away with at least a point.

“They are a very good side, so we’re really pleased to come away with all three points. When the dust settles, we’ll see it’s a really good three points.

“We showed character to dig out the three points. I know our players will have to deal with sides upping their game and Oxford are a good side anyway. That was the best football I’ve seen them play.”