[monks data]

Attendance: 17,892

League One

Mar 25, 2018 at 4pm UK

Portsmouth
3-0
Oxford Utd Oxford United

Naismith (5'), Pitman (69', 79')

FT(HT: 1-0)

Mowatt (62')

Karl Robinson beaten in first Oxford United game as Portsmouth run riot

By Giuseppe Labellarte, Reporter | 25 March 2018

Karl Robinson's first game in charge of Oxford United ends in a comprehensive 3-0 defeat to Portsmouth in Sunday's League One clash at Fratton Park.

Karl Robinson's first game in charge of Oxford United has ended in a 3-0 defeat away at Portsmouth on Sunday.

The 37-year-old took charge of the U's on Thursday, shortly after leaving fellow League One side Charlton Athletic.

However, the 16th-placed visitors were comprehensively defeated by Pompey, a side hoping to secure a playoff place in the table, at Fratton Park.

Portsmouth assistant manager Joe Gallen took charge of his side for the fixture, with manager Kenny Jackett absent due to a family issue.

The hosts surged into the lead after just five minutes, as a corner swung in deep was flicked on by Matt Clarke and poked home by Kal Naismith from close range.

Oxford rattled the woodwork midway through the first half as the ball was passed to James Henry on the edge of the box and the ensuing effort was drilled onto the top of the bar.

The U's could not force an equaliser by the break, however, and when they were handed a reprieve from the penalty spot on the hour, Alex Mowatt could only strike the post.

Drama ensued as Nathan Thompson taunted the penalty taker, who responded by swinging an arm into the face of the 27-year-old, and was subsequently shown a red card.

Boosted by a numerical advantage, Portsmouth added a second on 70 minute through Brett Pitman, who finished at the back post from Jamal Lowe's cross.

Pompey captain Pitman made sure of all three points with his second of the game nine minutes later, a squared ball - once again from Lowe - tapped into the back of the net from close range.

PORTSMOUTH (4-1-4-1): McGee; Walkes, Whatmough, Clarke, Donohue; Thompson (May 87'); Lowe, Close, Ronan (Evans 51'), Naismith; Pitman

OXFORD UNITED (4-1-2-1-2): Eastwood; Kane, Dickie, Mousinho, Smith-Brown (Ricardinho 77'); Brannagan; Ledson, Mowatt; Henry (Mehmeti 77'); Napa (Rothwell 66'), Thomas