PORTSMOUTH manager Paul Cook admitted he was slightly relieved to escape with a point at the Kassam Stadium on Saturday.

The Pompey boss was unhappy with his side’s display in the opening half and was happy to go into the break just a one-goal deficit.

But once they drew level through Adam McGurk’s long-range strike in the second half, Cook felt his side did enough to win the game until Michael Doyle’s late red card handed the initiative back to United.

However, on the balance of play, Cook felt a point was a good result for his side, who remain the only unbeaten side in Sky Bet League Two.

“There were spells where we were really poor, where we lost our way,” Cook commented.

“But I thought it was two good teams playing very good football at various stages.

“We lost control of the game, then we got it back, could have gone on to win it, but then could have lost it again.

“It was a great advertisement for the league – the game was played in a really good spirit.”

Cook hailed keeper Paul Jones, who only received a late call-up after regular No 1 Brian Murphy suffered a recurrence of an injury.

“Jonesy made three very good saves today so we were very grateful to him, but that’s what goalkeepers are paid to do,” he said.

“I just thought that after a not great first half, we showed a lot more maturity in how we wanted to play in the second half.

“There was a spell where we took total control of the game – unfortunately we couldn’t go on and see it out.

“Obviously the red card handed them the impetus, but it’s a good point and our run continues.”