Oxford United 0-1 Portsmouth: Post-Match Review, Stats, Key Moments

Dive into Ladbrokes’ post-match review of Oxford United 0-1 Portsmouth in the Championship on Saturday, 09 August 2025, with stats, key moments and our take on the match.

In a tightly contested match at the Kassam Stadium, Portsmouth secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Oxford United, with Adrian Segecic's goal in the 38th minute proving decisive. The result was somewhat surprising given Oxford's recent form, which included a win and two draws in their last three games, while Portsmouth came into the match off the back of their first win of the season. Despite Oxford's efforts to equalise, they were unable to break through Portsmouth's defence, ending their unbeaten run at home. The game was characterised by a high level of discipline, with only three yellow cards shown throughout the match.

Oxford United showed resilience and created several opportunities, but their inability to convert these into goals was their downfall. The home side's performance was commendable, yet the lack of a cutting edge in the final third was evident. Portsmouth, on the other hand, capitalised on their chance and managed to hold on for the win, showcasing a solid defensive display. This result will be a confidence booster for Portsmouth as they look to build on this early season success.

The statistics from the match between Oxford United and Portsmouth reveal a closely fought contest, with possession almost evenly split at 49% for Oxford and 51% for Portsmouth. Despite having fewer corners (4 compared to Oxford's 8), Portsmouth managed to secure the win, indicating their efficiency in front of goal. Oxford's higher success rate in dribbles (60% compared to Portsmouth's 43%) suggests they were more dynamic in attack, yet this did not translate into goals. The yellow card count was low, with Oxford receiving one and Portsmouth two, reflecting a disciplined game from both sides.

The disparity in the number of substitutions, with Oxford making six and Portsmouth four, might indicate a tactical shift by Oxford in search of an equaliser. However, these changes did not yield the desired result. The statistics overall align with the narrative of a game where both teams had their moments, but Portsmouth's clinical approach in the first half was the deciding factor.

The pivotal moment of the match came in the 38th minute when Adrian Segecic scored for Portsmouth, a goal that ultimately decided the game. This strike was the only one of the match and showcased Segecic's ability to capitalise on a rare opportunity. Portsmouth's John Swift received a yellow card shortly after in the 41st minute, which added tension to the game but did not disrupt their defensive structure. Connor Ogilvie's yellow card in the 63rd minute further highlighted Portsmouth's commitment to maintaining their lead.

Oxford United's response included a flurry of substitutions, starting with Hidde ter Avest and Jack Currie in the 66th and 69th minutes, respectively, followed by Siriki Dembele and Louie Sibley in the 81st minute. These changes were aimed at injecting fresh energy into the team, but despite their efforts, Oxford could not find the back of the net. The final substitution for Oxford came in the 87th minute with G. O'Donkor, but by then, time was running out, and Portsmouth held firm to secure the victory.

Oxford United lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Jamie Cumming in goal and a back four of Brodie Spencer, Elliott Moore, Michal Helik, and Greg Leigh. The midfield was anchored by Will Vaulks and Cameron Brannagan, with Stanley Mills, Will Lankshear, and Tyler Goodrham supporting striker Mark Harris. The line-up was largely as expected, with no major surprises in the starting XI.

The impact of the substitutions was notable, with Oxford making six changes in an attempt to turn the game around. However, despite the fresh legs, the team struggled to break down Portsmouth's defence. Tyler Goodrham's yellow card in the 64th minute was the only disciplinary action against Oxford, indicating a disciplined performance from the team despite the loss.

Portsmouth deployed a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Nicolas Schmid between the posts and a backline consisting of Jordan Williams, Regan Poole, Conor Shaughnessy, and Connor Ogilvie. The midfield duo of John Swift and Andre Dozzell provided stability, while Callum Lang, Adrian Segecic, and Florian Bianchini supported striker Colby Bishop. The line-up was typical of Portsmouth's recent setups, with no significant surprises.

Adrian Segecic's goal in the 38th minute was the standout moment for Portsmouth, and his performance justified his inclusion in the starting line-up. The substitutions made by Portsmouth, including Min-Hyuk Yang, Terry Devlin, Zak Swanson, and Thomas Waddingham, were aimed at maintaining their lead and managing the game effectively. Connor Ogilvie's yellow card in the 63rd minute was the only blemish on an otherwise solid defensive display from the team.

Adrian Segecic is Ladbrokes’ Man of the Match for his decisive contribution in Portsmouth's 1-0 victory over Oxford United. Scoring the only goal of the game in the 38th minute, Segecic demonstrated his ability to make a significant impact when it mattered most. His goal, coupled with a key pass, showcased his effectiveness in the attacking third, making him a worthy recipient of this accolade.

Recent matches:

• Loss: 0-1 vs Portsmouth (H)

Recent matches:

• Win: 1-0 vs Oxford United (A)

Oxford United sit in 20th place with 0 points after their 1-0 loss to Portsmouth. They face Hull City, in 14th place with 1 point, on August 17, 2025, at 15:00. The defeat highlights the need to improve attacking efficiency to convert chances into goals and secure their first points against a mid-table Hull City side.

Hull City V Oxford United - Championship Game Week 2

Portsmouth are in 5th place with 3 points following their 1-0 victory over Oxford United. They take on Norwich City, in 18th place with 0 points, on August 16, 2025, at 12:30. The win, driven by Callum Lang’s goal and a clean sheet, boosts their confidence, and they’ll aim to maintain their defensive solidity and seek more goals to stay among the Championship’s top teams.

Portsmouth V Norwich - Championship Game Week 2

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