OXFORD United’s Danny Rose thought criticism from some supporters at the final whistle of Saturday’s goalless draw with Portsmouth was harsh.

The game attracted a crowd of more than 8,400, the second biggest of the season at the Kassam Stadium, but neither side hit top gear.

A minority of home fans expressed their displeasure after a game where United were mainly on top, without carving out clear chances.

The result continued the side’s indifferent home form in Sky Bet League Two, where they have won four games out of 14.

Rose stressed the players were as annoyed as anyone by the lack of victories at the Kassam, but felt those booing had been unfair.

He said: “Obviously the result is very frustrating for the fans, understandably.

“But the players have put in a real good shift and maybe the fans haven’t recognised that because they just see the result and look on it as not winning at home again.

“I don’t think we deserved to get booed off, not at all.”

In a game where clear opportunities were at a premium, arguably United’s best opening fell to Rose midway through the second half.

Collecting a cross from James Constable, the midfielder found himself in space, but could only flash a shot wide on his right foot.

He said: “It was an acute angle so I had to go across goal, but I probably caught it too well and dragged the ball a touch.

“It was disappointing, I would have liked to have hit the target and make the keeper work.”

Ultimately, Rose was in no doubt the result was a better one for Portsmouth than it was for United.

“Most definitely,” he said.

“I don’t think they played particularly well really.

“We had control of probably 75 per cent of the game, but didn’t create those chances.

“I definitely think their manager is happier than ours, even though the gaffer spoke to us and he was satisfied with what he saw out there.

“He wanted a reaction from us considering the two home defeats that we had before.

“He felt he had that, but obviously we always want more.”