Christian Burgess with a flicked header that forces a smart save from Simon Eastwood in Oxford's goal, tipping it behind after a well placed free-kick into the area.

Also does well to come and catch the following corner. Closest Portsmouth have come to another goal this half.

Double change for Oxford as Cameron Brannagan limps off with what looks like a hamstring niggle. Concern perhaps for him for Monday's return leg.

Anthony Forde comes on in midfield.

Marcus Browne is also replaced by Daniel Agyei in attack.

Portsmouth with a decent spell here and captain Lee Brown hits the side-netting after being played in to the area by Ronan Curtis down the left.

Marcus Browne then almost bursts clear on the break at the other end for Oxford but then quickly finds he is without support as Pompey reorganise quickly at the back.

Ryan Williams has a first significant involvement since coming on for Portsmouth.

Tries to take a shot after cutting in from the right, but it's well blocked by Oxford at the back.

Portsmouth go close for the first time in a while but Sean Raggett can't quite find enough space to force his header from a corner on target.

Oxford with enough to deal with that and the following set piece too as Portsmouth make a change up top - John Marquis replaces Ellis Harrison.

Oxford meanwhile bring on Jamie Mackie for Matty Taylor.

Image source, Rex Features

And with that drinks break - I've finally managed to grab a bite of that chicken drumstick I mentioned was waiting for me in the first half.

Not bad.

Just over 20 minutes plus some loose change to go in this first leg as it remains all square.

Game beginning to get a bit fragmented as fouls regularly committed by both sides and long balls or attempted crosses failing to find their intended targets.

Almost time for the second-half drinks break...

Slightly concerning moment again for Portsmouth as the ball bounces around inside their penalty box from an Oxford free-kick.

Alex Bass is on to it though to calm any nerves.

Optimistic shot from range for Oxford from James Henry is on target but easily scooped up by Portsmouth keeper Alex Bass.

Double change for Portsmouth as Ryan Williams and James Bolton replace Ross McCrorie and Andy Cannon.

Oxford again ask questions from a corner as Marcus Harness has to head it behind his own goal.

Following corner also cleared by Harness but Oxford certainly looking the more likely to score next at present.

Marcus Browne again a danger man for Oxford.

Mark Sykes' first real involvement sees him ping a ball from the right back across the penalty area for Browne to run on to, but this time his shot is wide of the goal.

Image source, Rex Features

First change of the game comes from Oxford.

Mark Sykes replaces Ben Woodburn in midfield.

Woodburn was out through a long-term injury earlier in the season so still very much feeling his way back in, more so than everyone else most likely.

Portsmouth patient in possession as they try and work some space coming forward.

Ross McCrorie not quite able to get on the end of a ball down the right before Simon Eastwood is off his line to claim.

Then Ellis Harrison hits the deck in the Oxford penalty box but again Gavin Ward the referee has no interest in any spot kick claims.

Pretty energetic resumption with both sides looking to move the ball around quickly.

A few fairly niggly challenges too. Neither side looking to give an inch knowing the slightest of first leg advantages could be crucial.

And we're off again...

No changes for either side at the break.

Almost ready to go again at Fratton Park.

Can Portsmouth win a play-off game for the first time? They've drawn three and lost the other three of the six played so far.

Incredible stat.

Image source, Rex Features

There's also more EFL action on its way on Saturday with eight more fixtures from the Championship.

The afternoon kicks off with a cracker too as fierce rivals Derby and Nottingham Forest face each other in the lunchtime game.

Both clubs are chasing a play-off place and you'll be able to follow all the action right here across the BBC Sport website and app.

Image source, Rex Features

This is just the first of three matches across the EFL we're bringing you this evening.

After we're done at Fratton Park, it's off to Highbury for the second of the League One play-off semi-final first legs as Fleetwood host Wycombe (19:30 BST).

While in the Championship - Charlton host Millwall (20:15 BST) as the Addicks go in search of another vital three points to assist their survival fight.

Level at the break after a very interesting first half.

Ronan Curtis and then Marcus Browne with a couple of well-taken finishes but the half ends with Portsmouth almost getting a second as they batter down the door of Oxford's goal.

The visitors get it clear somehow and now we take a breather. Top stuff.