Oxford boss makes honest admission over Portsmouth's penalty appeals in League One play-off draw

But the U’s manager felt a 1-1 draw in the League One semi-final first leg was a fair result.

The Blues were left fuming with referee Gavin Ward at the final whistle of the Fratton Park clash.

Kenny Jackett’s men had two decent penalty claims turned down either side of half-time.

Christian Burgess appeared to be dragged down by Rob Dickie in the first period before Ronan Curtis – who opened the scoring for the Blues on 32 minutes – appeared to be clipped by Dan Agyei in second-half stoppage-time.

Both appeals were turned down, though, with Marcus Browne netting Oxford’s equaliser in the 42nd minute.

While Robinson felt Curtis didn’t deserve a spot-kick, he conceded Burgess did.

The Liverpudlian told Sky Sports: ‘They started the game with so much energy and intensity.

‘What played into our hands is they dwindled a little bit and it's hard to keep that intensity up.

‘We rode the storm in the first 15-20 minutes and once we got our first break, we settled into the game.

‘Their goal came a little bit against the run of play but as the game went on we grew stronger.

‘The two sets of players were honest and gave everything they could. It was a typical first round of a play-off where no-one wanted to give away too much.

‘All in all, it was a fair result. They probably thought they should have had two penalties – only because what they were saying on the touchline.

‘Their full-back (Ross McCrorie) should have been booked. I I didn't think the referee had a great game, the players are struggling while the referees haven't officiated for a period of time either.

‘I think Browney got fouled six times by one player in the first half – that's a booking.

‘But there were a number of things you could pick up on.

‘I think if I was them I'd be disappointed. Not the appeal in the second half, I thought they should have had a penalty in the first half when Rob Dickie got hold of him (Burgess) around the back.

'Other than that, it was two honest teams who have been all season in a very different game.’