PAUL Cook praised Oxford United's strong performance while admitting his Portsmouth side faltered in front of the biggest Sky Bet League Two crowd of the season.

Almost 18,000 fans combined for a terrific atmosphere which belonged to a higher division, but the U's came out on top 1-0 thanks to Jordan Bowery's winner.

Portsmouth had not lost at home since September and went into the game full of confidence after a 2-1 Emirates FA Cup win at Fratton Park against Championship side Ipswich Town.

But boss Paul Cook had few complaints over the result.

He said: "For large parts of the game I didn't think we were the better side, that's for sure.

"I think Oxford must take great credit for that, they were excellent on the day.

"They were very strong all over the pitch.

"When they had to defend they defended and they carried a threat going forward.

"It's a long time since we've lost at home in the league.

"As disappointed as we are we say well done to Oxford, go away, lick our wounds and hopefully come back stronger."

He added: "As strong as we were on Tuesday, we stuttered today."