OXFORD United’s defensive strength was praised by Andy Awford after his Portsmouth side was held to a goalless draw.

Pompey had been free-scoring in the run up to the game as they aim to make a late charge to the Sky Bet League Two play-off positions.

A 3-2 victory over Tranmere in midweek, when Portsmouth came from 2-0 behind with three goals in the final 15 minutes, saw them go into the clash full of confidence.

But despite dominating, clear opportunities dried up after half-time in the face of stout defending from United.

Awford, a former U’s coach, said: “There were a few chances, but I don’t think we managed to open Oxford up enough.

“They didn’t play on Tuesday, so that made it even tougher for us, but everyone put a good shift in.

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“It’s a good point at the end of the day – you’re not going to win every game.

“Both teams tried to play the right way and I thought it was a good advert for League Two football.

“When you score nine goals in the previous two games, I think some people turn up expecting it be easy to get goals.”

He added: “That’s unbeaten in seven now – the longer we stay unbeaten, the quicker we’ll rise up the table.

“They played very well, Oxford. It was a good game, it’s probably as good a 0-0 as you’ll see.

“They made it very difficult for us and credit to them.”