Portsmouth boss pinpoints moments which led to downfall against Oxford United

The Blues boss felt the desperate manner in which his side conceded in last night’s loss to Oxford United along with first-leg penalties not being awarded to his side, were the decisive areas in his side’s exit.

Ellis Harrison’s own goal after a terrible mix-up with Alex Bass on the stroke of half-time led to the U’s leveller in the 1-1 draw, before the 5-4 shootout defeat.

There also strong penalty appeals at Fratton Park on Friday with a handball, foul on Christan Burgess and late trip on Ronan Curtis under the spotlight.

Jackett said: ‘We’ve given away poor goals.

‘The one today was particularly poor, a mix up with no Oxford player near it.

‘From our view it’s disappointing because we don’t normally make those mistakes.

‘There were moments. We had three good penalty appeals at Fratton Park.

‘If you want to win these games these moments have to go for you.’

With everything at stake last night’s second leg proved a tie low on quality for long periods.

The fear of making a mistake became prevalent as the evening went on, as both teams settled for the lottery of penalties.

Jackett added: ‘It’s not easy to break sides down and both side found it hard to do that.

‘The first half of the first game was our best bet.

‘Similarly, no one got on top over the course of the game and it was a case of grinding it out really.’