Yep, the much maligned Checkatrade Trophy match all Pompey fans were so looking forward to (not) took place last night at Fratton Park, in front of a huge crowd of 1,355 (of which 133 were Royals fans). Pompey Team: Liam O’Brien / Adam Buxton (Sub:Gareth Evans) / Jack Whatmough / Matt Clarke / Brandon Haunstrup / Milan Lalkovic / Ben Close / Amine Linganzi / Kyle Bennett / Curtis Main / Michael Smith. Final score was 2-2, with two second half goals from Curtis Main. Adam Buxton limped off with a recurrence of his recent injury. Reading - managed by ex Pompey midfield favourite Martin Kuhl- won the penalty kick-off 4-3.
The crowd size says it all Wooperts. That thick bloke who was trying to talk this up from the Football League just doesn't get it.
Bearing in mind our average home crowd in the league this season is around 16,700 this just goes to prove the feelings of fans in the lower two divisions as to the overall relevance of this competition, and the FA imposing teams from the top two divisions upon us. I always understood this was a cup competition for League 1 & 2 clubs only. It was when our esteemed neighbours won it a few years back under the previous name of the 'Johnstone Paint Trophy'. No doubt next season, the FA will invite a few Scottish clubs like Celtic & Rangers to join in to make it even more "exciting"
Despite its relevance, or lack of, we need games for our squad players who are not in or near the 1st team
