Match Day Thread AFC Wimbledon v Pompey - Papa John's Trophy

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Pompey’s latest Papa John’s Trophy campaign begins with a trip to AFC Wimbledon in Southern Group B this evening (7.45pm kick-off).

They have a good recent record in the competition, having lifted the silverware in 2019 and then reached the final the following season.

And while league success is the number one priority, there is a Wembley appearance waiting in the distance.

Sutton and Crystal Palace U21s complete the group, with the former having beaten the latter 3-0 last week.

Tonight’s hosts have made an encouraging start to the campaign, with just one defeat from six League One fixtures.

Mark Robinson’s side have also seen off Charlton and Northampton to reach the third round of the Carabao Cup.

They now have a mouth-watering trip to Premier League giants Arsenal to look forward to in a couple of weeks.

The most recent meeting between the teams is also the only time that the Blues have appeared at the new Plough Lane.

Lee Brown bagged a brace and Ronan Curtis was also on target, as Danny Cowley’s side fought from behind to secure a 3-1 victory back in May.

In the event of tonight’s game finishing level after 90 minutes, both sides will collect a point. A penalty shoot-out will then be held, with the winners earning a bonus point.


TEAM NEWS
Pompey are likely to make a number of changes, with Miguel Azeez, Gavin Bazunu, Ronan Curtis and Joe Morrell all away on international duty.

Mahlon Romeo and Louis Thompson could both make their debuts, while Jayden Reid (knee) and Liam Vincent (shin) are injured.

The hosts are without the injured defensive duo of Dan Czoka (shoulder) and Paul Osew (ankle).


HEAD TO HEAD*
Overall
Pompey: 19 wins
Wimbledon: 14 wins
9 draws

At Wimbledon
Pompey: 7 wins
Wimbledon: 10 wins
4 draws

*Includes matches against Wimbledon FC


OFFICIALS
Referee: Darren Drysdale
Assistants: Daniel Cook and Anthony Da Costa
Fourth Official: Andy Bennett


BETTING
Pompey are the 13/8 favourites with VBET to secure all three points, while the hosts can be backed at 9/5.

 

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Surprise change in goal where Jake Eastwood, a 24 year old 6' 3" Sheffield United reserve keeper arrives on a 7 day emergency loan. No sign of Alex Bass in the squad, with young academy keeper Toby Steward on the bench, joined by 6 other academy youngsters.

Let's hope that Alex Bass isn't injured !!

 

Half-time, and it's 2-1 to the Wombles.

They took the lead after just 65 seconds,with a goal from Kalambayi after some poor Pompey defending. After withstanding their non-stop pressure, we got into the game with a shot from Gassan Ahademe, then Mahlon Romeo (who looks rather useful) had a shot saved by their keeper in the 16th minute.

Pressley scored in the 43rd minute to put the home team 2-0 ahead.

After 45 + 3 minutes, both Reeco Hackett-Fairchild with a shot that hit the underside of the crossbar, then the rebound was headed by George Hirst against the bar and cleared.

Pompey pulled a goal back after 45 + 4 minutes with a nicely taken goal by Ellis Harrison.

 

Final whistle goes, and it's a 5-3 win for the Wombles - a score that to my mind flatters them. An end to end match, which we fully participated.

We pulled the score back to 2-2 with a lovely header from Ellis Harrison from a Reeco Hackett-Fairchild corner. In the 70th minute a very tired looking Louis Thompson was replaced by sub Harry Jewitt-White.

In the 74th minute Gassan Ahademe shot just wide of a post. Michael Jacobs' shot in the 75th minute was blocked by their keeper.

Pompey went 3-2 ahead in the 78th minute with Ellis Harrison completed his hat trick after Gassan Ahademe's shot was blocked.

In the 79th minute Haji Mnoga fouled a Wimbledon forward, and conceded a penalty, which was tucked away by Aaron Pressley, to make the score 3-3 !!

In the 82nd minute, from a Michael Jacobs corner, George Hirst's header was saved by their keeper.

In the 87th minute, the Wombles went 4-3 ahead from a Nightingale header, and in the 90th + 4 minute, they made it 5-3 with a fortunate break and a goal from Luke McCormick shot.

Quite a match, with good performances from Mahlon Romeo, Reeco Hackett-Fairchild, Michael Jacobs, and in particular hat trick hero Ellis Harrison who must now surely be in contention for a league call up for our next game.

Good coverage on iFollow tonight as well !

 

Match Highlights:-

https://c.newsnow.co.uk/A/1094840541?-11209:804

 

I have no idea of last night's attendance, but the commentator did say that at least 800 of them were Pompey fans, who totally outsung the home supporters throughout the match.