Portsmouth vice-skipper's prediction for play-off second leg at Oxford

And the vice-skipper feels the Blues’ squad depth gives them an advantage in their bid to reach Wembley.

Things are all square at the halfway point of the semi-final after Friday night’s 1-1 draw at Fratton Park.

Ronan Curtis bagged for Kenny Jackett’s side on 32 minutes before Marcus Browne equalised for the U's 11 minutes later.

The battle proved a close affair overall, with the tie finely poised ahead of tomorrow’s return clash at the Kassam Stadium.

With no crowds allowed inside the ground, it means Oxford won’t really have the benefit of home advantage.

And Brown – who was handed a surprise start ahead of Steve Seddon against Karl Robinson’s men – is confident Pompey can ensure they’ll be facing Wycombe or Fleetwood in the final at the national stadium on July 13.

Speaking to the club’s website, the left-back said: ‘It was evident that both teams had a long break but we always said it's over 180 minutes so it'll be interesting in the second leg.

‘The first game of the play-offs is always a little bit cagey, both teams are sussing each other out.

‘Do we feel confident going into the second game? Yes, I do feel confident but we'll wait and see.

‘Home and away advantage is no more, especially with no crowds.

‘You've seen in the League Two play-offs and all the games in the Premier League and Championship that there's been a lot of away wins.

‘It's going to be an open game for both teams and an opportunity for both teams to get to Wembley.

‘Hopefully we prepare right and get that little bit of an edge.

‘It's the same for both teams. They're in exactly the same position and it'll come down to who's the fittest and squad depth.

‘I think we've got fantastic squad depth. We have 11 players out of the team who could have played on Friday with equal ability, if not better.

‘We've got a lot of depth and that'll be pivotal in the second leg, without a doubt.’

Brown revealed Pompey’s in-house games at Fratton Park in the build-up to the clash after a four-month absence helped their preparations.

The drinks break which takes place throughout each half also proved key - and not just hydration purposes.

The ex-Bristol Rovers man revealed it gave boss Jackett an opportunity to relay key information to his troops.

Brown added: ‘You're into the mix of it quite early. We'd had a lot of in-house games so we knew what it was going to be like with the weird surroundings of no cheering or celebration.

‘It's funny with zero atmosphere but it is what it is and we've got to get on with it.

‘Everyone has been off for a three to four month period and we're not robots so you need a drinks break.

‘But it's a good opportunity for the manager to have a quick-fire two minutes with the players.

‘They were beneficial and nullified them quite well after that little chat.’