Portsmouth relegation rivals Oxford United prove their mentality as Callum Lang adds to Preston North End's woes

Oxford United boss Matt Bloomfield hailed the mentality his team displayed at Preston North End as they once again proved they’re up for the challenge of remaining in the Championship.

The U’s climbed out of the relegation zone after beating the Lilywhites 3-1 at Deepdale on Friday night.

Michal Helik prodded Oxford, who sat second from bottom in the table before kick-off, ahead in the fourth minute before Milutin Osmajic equalised for the hosts on 12 minutes.

Will Lankshear’s improvised 55th-minute finish deservedly restored the visitors’ lead, while Ciaron Brown’s header six minutes later sealed the points.

The victory was the U’s’ second successive win, after they beat troubled West Brom 2-1 at the Kassam Stadium last week.

And while PNE - who lost former Pompey forward Callum Lang to a foot injury on 49 minutes - remain 12th in the standings after six defeats in 10, Oxford now find themselves 21st and outside the drop zone for the first time since the end of December, albeit it on goal difference from West Brom and Leicester who play today.

Bloomfield’s side are now just four points behind 19th-placed Pompey, who travel to fellow relegation-threatened Blackburn Rovers today (12.30lm kick-off) and have played two games fewer. The two go head-to-head at Fratton Park on Monday, April 6.

However, ahead of the all-important run-in, the U’s boss is delighted with what he’s seeing from his side.

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Bloomfield: ‘It was a real team effort’

Speaking after Oxford’s victory at North End, Bloomfield said: ‘I think the results are important but, if we just focus on that, we’ll forget that it’s the performance that takes you to the result. I thought we played with real energy, freshness and enthusiasm.

‘We were disappointed not to be ahead at half-time. We adjusted things ever so slightly at half-time in terms of our tactical approach to our defensive work in the second half.

‘The lads took the opportunities when they came along and were able to see the game out. A really good mentality to see that game out in the second half.

‘It was a real team effort, a real squad effort and we’re going to need every single one of our players between the sessions to contribute.’

Callum Lang injury

Former Blues foward Lang was making his fifth appearance for PNE since his deadline day move to Deepdale.

However, the ex-Fratton favourite had to be substituted just after half-time after failing to recover from an injury he picked up at the end of the first half.

Speaking post-match, manager Paul Heckingbottom said: “I've not seen it, so, I don’t know if it’s a stamp or a twist.

‘Hopefully, the former. I've not spoken to him, I've not seen him.’

Lang’s season has been hampered by injury, with the 27-year-old making just eight Championship appearances for Pompey before sealing his move to the Lilywhites.

For your next Pompey read: Blackburn Rovers v Portsmouth: Early team and injury news as 18 out and 4 doubts for lunchtime showdown