Cambridge United 0 Portsmouth 0

 Another game in which Cambridge failed to score, but they are probably happier about a 0-0 draw than Portsmouth, who would have hoped for promotion this year, but are currently in 9th.

Going into the game both teams had been on an extended break over Christmas due to Covid outbreaks, but they both seemed ready for the fight and it really was a game of grit.

Both sides had chances and Cambridge were probably the better team in the first half, although Portsmouth looked the more likely in the second half and dominated possession throughout the game.

There were some brutal tackles throughout the game and Sam Smith of Cambridge made a tricky task for the Us even harder when he caught a Ogilvie with a stray elbow. Both players led with the elbow, but the Pompey defender came off the worst and as Sam Smith was already on a yellow, he was given his marching orders on the hour mark. This led to the introduction of Harvey Knibbs, who I'd like to see get a start at some point in the not distant future.

While Ogilvie was getting treatment somebody in the Newmarket Road stand fainted and the game was halted for about 15 minutes, fortunately the paramedics got their quickly and the person has made a recovery.

It's a testimony to the players that despite this incident and their preparations for the game being disrupted they managed to play out the rest of the game at full throttle, although the breakthrough goal never came. In my opinion though the ref could have and should have sent Shaun Williams off for Pompey after a wild 'tackle' on James Brophy.

In the end Cambridge held on. Even though the Newmarket Road stand stole the ball to stop Pompey's flow, the ref added on 21 minutes and ended up playing 26 and Cambridge held on for an impressive draw against ex-Premier League opposition 

Even the linesman can't believe the game is still going on in the 26th minute of stoppage time.

Cambridge players arguing with the ref. They had a lot to argue with him about!

Dunk takes a throw in.

Match action as Pompey press in the first half.

Portsmouth free kick in the opening minutes

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