Subs swing things, needle boils over and what Portsmouth fans can all agree on about Sean Raggett

Subs swing things

Pompey’s best period of the game, without doubt, was after the second half began.

They were dominating possession, were growing in potency on the attack and looked far the more likely to notch the second goal of the game.

However, Karl Robinson’s substitutes would swing things in Oxford’s favour.

As soon as Marcus McGuane, Mark Sykes and Jordan Obita were introduced, the visitors got on the front foot.

McGuane, in particular, had a key influence playing in between the lines and his forced a magnificent save out of Craig MacGillivray.

And although the penalty decision for Alex Gorrin’s equaliser might have been a tad harsh, with Kenny Jackett adamant Jack Whatmough didn’t commit a foul on Dan Agyei, Oxford’s breakthrough had been coming.

Jackett’s changes from the bench have reaped dividends of late. Against Plymouth and Crewe, not too many people could argue with the positive impact his subs made.

However, on this occasion, there was a general concensus that his changes didn’t have the affect required.

Andy Cannon was still plenty energetic when he was withdrawn for Bryn Morris – a midfielder more known for featuring in a deeper role rather than bursting forward to join attacks.

Ryan Williams came on with eight minutes to go and it was no coincidence he pepped Pompey up.

In the latter stages, the Blues looked the likelier to score – but ran out of time.

Needle boils over

The close encounters in the play-offs only four months ago meant there was always going to be plenty of needle in the match.

As the game wore on, things got spikier, more robust challenges were thrown in and tempers flared more frequently.

The tension was palpable when Sean Raggett cynically scythe down Matty Taylor to thwart an Oxford counter in the closing stages.

And, in truth, it wasn’t a big shock when a melee broke out at the final whistle.

Perhaps what was more surprising was how long it lasted and the number of that were involved from from both parties.

Pictures have emerged of Pompey’s Ronan Curtis’ nether regions being grabbed by Matty Taylor. Unsavoury images will surely get the Oxford striker a ban.

What’s certain is both clubs will be hit by a needless FA fine.

MacGillivray denied another clean sheet

Craig MacGillivray came under some scrutiny for his error in Plymouth’s second goal last week.

But in his past two outings, the keeper has been outstanding.

In the 4-1 win over Crewe on Saturday, he made several top-drawer stops on his 100th appearance.

Only a last-gasp penalty – that shouldn’t have even been awarded – denied MacGillivray a deserved clean sheet.

For successive games, the Scot was starved of another shutout from the 12-yard spot that was doubtful in the first place.

In the opening, MacGillivray scarcely had anything to do. Oxford’s only shot of substance was when Anthony Forde blazed over.

But after Karl Robinson made a triple change, they got on top and looked far more threatening.

Marcus McGaune made an instant impact and took aim from the edge of the box – only for MacGillivray to pull off a save at full stretch.

Then Mark Sykes had the opportunity to give the U’s the lead after equaliser. Once again, MacGilivray thwarted the effort, this time getting his fingertips to a low shot.

What fans can agree on when it comes to Raggett

Sean Raggett will always have his share of detractors among supporters.

But one thing that all fans can agree on when it comes to the centre-back is his threat he offers at set-pieces.

Every time that Raggett goes up for a corner or free-kick, you fancy him to get his head on it.

And his opening goal against Oxford was a quintessential defender’s header. Staying up after the initial free-kick was cleared, Raggett wasn’t favourite to meet Ronan Curtis’ cross that was looped in.

However, he showed the aggression and desire to get across Rob Atkinson and head home beyond Simon Eastwood.

In the second period, Raggett again had a couple of chances but missed the target on both occasions.

Having now bagged two for the season, as many as he did last term, he’ll now be eager to score even more.