Gaffer: draw a fair result - but strange Portsmouth skipper was dropped in a Kenny Jackett special

Was a draw a fair result?

I think it was. We were superb for the first 40 minutes and it was a bit of a killer when they equalised.

Considering how long we've been off, we passed it around nicely and looked slick.

The wingers, especially Ronan Curtis, were in top form and it's a shame that they got back into it.

What did you make of the penalty appeals?

For the first one, I was surprised no-one really picked up on it. I had a couple of texts from my mates saying "did nobody see the handball?" It looked clear and no-one really spoke about it until half-time on Sky Sports.

We were dominating and had we got another goal then maybe it might have been different.

It's typical Pompey and maybe it is the way the manager sets us up where we sit back when we have a lead.

I've seen it enough over the past few years. We look really good when it's 0-0 and then sit back after going in front.

It doesn't help when you have one up front as it gives the opposition less to think about.

How surprised were you by Kenny Jackett's team selection?

It was a Jackett special wasn't it - he likes to surprise everyone! He's his own man and you can't say he'll go with the majority as they'd have had Steve Seddon left-back, although I thought that Lee Brown had a good game.

But Seddon gives you a bit extra going forward and some of the crosses he's put in have set up goals. We lack that, especially at home.

I said in my preview I'd rather go for it at home and be ahead going into the return leg rather then level – even if it's 3-2.

I haven't seen enough to Bryn Morris and that's not to say there is potential but why not play your club captain Tom Naylor?

He's never missed a game when available and is a class midfielder – it's really strange.

How nervous are you heading into the second leg?

Not as much as I thought I'd be. I've seen teams play a lot better at Fratton Park and we did dominate them in the first half.

Even when they came into it, Alex Bass didn't particularly have a lot to do.

The only problem I have is Jackett might be a bit too defensive and they'll play differently as they're at home.

Having watched Oxford, I still think we have enough to beat them but it's going to be tense and you're not going to be able to sit back in your seat.

Dave's Pompey ratings

Alex Bass - 6

Ross McCrorie - 6

Christian Burgess - 8

Sean Raggett - 7

Lee Brown - 6

Cameron McGeehan - 7

Bryn Morris - 6

Marcus Harness - 6

Andy Cannon - 6

Ronan Curtis - 8

Ellis Harrison - 6