x

Pompey boss happy to grind it out at the Kassam

Pompey boss Richie Barker is making no apologies for his team being involved in another goalless draw - saying the 0-0 draw was Oxford was a good result that keeps them going in the right direction.

It's two draws and a win now from Barker's first five games but a point away to one of the chief promotion chasers ranks as his best result yet as boss.

After new boys Nicky Shorey, Ryan Taylor and Daniel Alfei helped Pompey to a 0-0 draw, Barker said: Oxford have been a top four or top six team all season, they're good team, so this was a decent result for us. I'm pleased with the fact that we've now kept three clean sheets in four, and it's just one defeat in four. If we could carry that on to, say, one defeat in 10, then I think we could say that we've turned the corner.

"I'm extremely pleased with the workrate and the desire of my players. Away from home we did what was necessary. You have to remember that I inherited a club that had the worst defensive record in the entire Football league. I had to make sure we somehow become more difficult to beat.

"It's not the clean sheet that's the important thing, it's the manner of the clean sheet. Probably the best chance for either team fell to us, to Joe Devera. But it was one of those days when any scoring was most likely to come from a set piece.'

Advertisement

Click here to sign up for an account and reserve your username! You can then post on the Forum and add your comments to articles

What to read next:

Saints Go To The Taylors As The Transfer Window Opens In Earnest
It was a tale of two Taylors as Southampton made two signings on the first day of the transfer window after the bonus payments had been paid, one a brand new signing and the second exceeding the option to buy after last season’s loan.
Southampton Set To Make £20 Million Offer to Celtic
News reports from North of the border are suggesting that Saints are preparing a transfer bid to Celtic for midfielder Matt O’Riley, but the Glasgow club are not in the mood for negotiating unless their valuation is met.
West Ham United Linked With Southampton Defender
According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, usually one of the more reliable purveyors of transfer news, West Ham are in negotiations with Saints regarding Kyle Walker Peters.
The Calm Before The Storm The Transfer Scrum Begins On Monday
Southampton have been linked with literally dozens of players in the past few weeks, causing the frothing of mouths across the fanbase, as every rumour was treated like it was a nailed on signing.
Saints Announce Pre Season Schedule
Southampton have announced the first part of their pre season schedule with a game against National League side Eastleigh followed by a week long trip to Spain and a couple of friendlies.
Southampton In Pole Position For Peterborough Defender
Saints are building their squad for next season and are looking to get the balance right between, seasoned professionals, experienced 25 year olds & promising youngsters, the latest reports suggest that Saints are in pole position for one of League One's most gifted talents.
Southampton Linked With Yet Another Liverpool Player
Hot on the heels of Fabio Carvalho, Tyler Morton and Caoimhin Kelleher, Saints are being liked with yet another fringe player from Anfield, this time in the centre of defence.
Saints Set To Agree Deal With Keeper
According to sources, as the saying goes, Southampton are about to agree a new contract with goalkeeper Alex McCarthy, therefore putting an end to the speculation that he might join Liverpool.
Saints Linked With Liverpool Attacker They Lost Out On In January
Back in January Saints tried to sign a number of attacking players as they looked to boost their options for the Promotion run in, they ended up with David Brooks from Bournemouth, but it seems he is now not on the list and they are looking to get the man they lost out on.
Championship Goalkeeper Linked With Southampton Liverpool And Arsenal
Many outfield players have been linked with Southampton in the past month, but there has been virtually no concrete rumours about a new goalkeeper, however here is the first of the summer.