Kenny Jackett: I couldn't have asked for more from my Portsmouth players

The Blues boss admitted the manner of defeat was hard to take as his men lost 5-4 on spot-kick against Oxford United at the Kassam Stadium.

It was left to the lottery of penalties to decide the affair after a 1-1 draw which was a hard to watch for long periods, with what was at stake clearly having a negative impact on the players.

Jackett was adamant his men could have given him no more on a night where the margins between defeat and feature proved marginal.

He said: ‘It’s hard to take.

‘The players gave everything they got.

‘It was like last season. In very tight games we either couldn’t find the moments or the moments didn’t go for us

‘We’re disappointed going ahead in both ties and disappointed with the goal against.

‘It’s a big frustration but the players gave everything they’ve got.’