Oxford United man insists Portsmouth's imperious home form holds no fear for them

And the U’s defender sees no reason why his in-form side can’t inflict a first home defeat of the season in League One battle on Kenny Jackett’s men tomorrow.

Pompey have been a force to be reckoned with at PO4 this season and are determined to see their strength their continue, despite the semi-final first leg taking place behind closed doors.

But, after five wins on the bounce before football’s suspension amid the coronavirus pandemic, Dickie is confident his side can punch their weight with the Blues.

He told the Oxford Mail: ‘We’d take a draw, but we’ll go there and try to win. Why not?

‘We feel like we’re a good side and we’ll take the game to them.

‘We’re there on merit and had won five out of five before the league was suspended.

‘We were looking for the automatic places and felt like we were a force to be reckoned with.

‘It’s a shame it’s ended but we’ve still got a chance of getting promoted and we’re going to try to grab it with two hands.’

Both teams will be getting their first competitive experience of football without supporters present tomorrow.

There will be no Fratton roar on the kind of night which usually sees Pompey’s home at its vibrant best, but Dickie feels the environment will impact both sets of players.

He added: ‘I think the crowd not being there will have an effect on Portsmouth, but also on us as well.

‘We love performing in front of our away end, they are an incredible group of fans and we’re going to miss them. We will try to get the result for them.’

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