Kenny Jackett reflects on Portsmouth penalty anger against Oxford
Kenny Jackett declined to dwell on Pompey’s penalty fury following tonight’s 1-1 draw with Oxford United.
The sides head to the Kassam Stadium on Monday evening for the second leg of the League One play-off semi-final.
Yet, tellingly, the Blues’ players gathered around referee Gavin Ward at the final whistle after he dismissed three strong penalty claims.
Certainly many of the television audience felt the hosts warranted at least one spot kick, having been given the opportunity to pour over video replays.
Jackett, however, stepped away from the debate and instead remains focused on Monday’s decider.
He told The News: ‘I thought we were pretty strong. We finished the game well, which was a positive for me.
‘We have to try to do more of the same as we go into Monday night.
‘There were a couple of (penalty) decisions. There were one or two things which didn’t quite go our way, we understand that.
‘It’s not something we can focus on or do anything about now - and I haven’t seen those particular decisions either.
‘It doesn't really matter now, it’s not something we can focus on.
‘We have to make sure that we put as much pressure on Oxford as we can on Monday night - and they will obviously be looking to do the same to us.
‘It’s 1-1. The match was always going to go into the second leg, both sides finished on 60 points and it just shows you it’s set up for the second leg.
‘Oxford defended their box well, Dickie and Ruffels got headers out at the right time and we have to do more of the same.
‘It is what it is. We’ve been off a long time and the players were committed and showed great energy.’
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