Pompey will look to progress to the Papa Johns Trophy knockout stages when they host AFC Wimbledon in the final Southern Group B fixture this evening (7.45pm kick-off). Danny Cowley knows exactly what his side need to do in order to book safe passage through to the last 32 of the competition. A draw would be enough to guarantee second spot because Crawley – who have one point more – have already played their three fixtures and have an inferior goal difference. But to finish top and be assured of a home tie in the second round, the Blues require a victory against the leaders. Johnnie Jackson’s men currently have a 100 per cent record, having beaten Aston Villa U21s (2-1) and Crawley (3-2) on home soil. The Dons were relegated from League One last term and currently sit 15th in the fourth tier, with 19 points from 16 games. But they head to the south coast on a good run of form, with a draw against Crewe sandwiched by victories over Rochdale and Harrogate. That latter fixture at the weekend saw them snatch victory from the jaws of defeat by scoring two late goals to seal a 3-2 success. The sides also met in the group stages of last season’s Papa Johns Trophy when an Ellis Harrison hat-trick could not prevent Pompey from losing 5-3 at Plough Lane. In the event of a draw 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 Tom Lowery (hamstring) and Marlon Pack (hamstring) have both returned to training, although are not ready to feature this evening. There is a doubt over Michael Jacobs (hamstring), while both Reeco Hackett and Clark Robertson have been suffering from illness. Joe Rafferty (stomach), Jayden Reid (knee) and Louis Thompson (leg) are all on the long-term injury list. AFC Wimbledon could make plenty of changes to their side, having already booked their spot in the next round. HEAD TO HEAD* Overall Pompey: 20 wins Wimbledon: 15 wins 10 draws At Fratton Park Pompey: 13 wins Wimbledon: 4 wins 5 draws *Includes matches against Wimbledon FC TICKETS Pompey fan can purchase tickets in the South Stand online here or from the Anson Road ticket office. They will also be sold from the Fratton End booth this evening. Please note that the Victory Bar will not be open tonight and there is no fanzone, while a programme has not been produced for this game. OFFICIALS Referee: Craig Hicks Assistants: Anthony Da Costa and Alan Cresswell Fourth Official: Wayne Cartmel MATCH COVERAGE Supporters at home and abroad can watch the contest live by purchasing an iFollow match pass and visiting the match centre. Domestic iFollow subscribers can also enjoy audio commentary from Andrew Moon and Guy Whittingham as usual, but will need to purchase a match pass if they want to watch the game. There will be post-match reaction on the website and our official YouTube channel, with highlights to follow on Wednesday. Local listeners can hear commentary by tuning in to either Express FM or BBC Radio Solent (not available online). BETTING Pompey are the 2/5 favourites with VBET to secure all three points, while the visitors can be backed at 6/1.
AFC Wimbledon Here’s how we line-up for tonight’s @PapaJohnsTrophy Game Nathan Broome Ayoub Assal Kwaku Frimpong Luke Jenkins Isaac Ogundere Quaine Bartley Kyle Hudlin Huseyin Biler Paris Maghoma Alfie Bendle Courtney Senior
Half time. 1-0 to Pompey with a 15th minute goal scored by Ronan Curtis. The playing conditions not easy for either side, with torrential rain coming down ! We have had 9 shots (5 on target), Wimbledon 3 shots (3 on target). One yellow card to a Wimbledon player for a foul on Owen Dale. We have had 57% possession.
Final whistle. 1-1 draw. Drab second half for us, with the Dons equalising in the 50th minute with a lovely goal from Ayoub Assal, following a mistake by Kieron Freeman who was very poor this evening. Two more yellow cards, Alfie Bendle of Wimbledon, and Denver Hume of Pompey, both for fouls. We used all five substitutes in the second half - Jay Mingi for Joe Morrell / Connor Ogilvie for Zak Swanson / Josh Dockerill for Michael Morrison / Josh Koroma for Ronan Curtis / Reeco Hackett for Ryan Tunnicliffe. Match then went to penalties, with Pompey winning 3-1. Official man of the match Josh Oluwayemi saved three of the Dons penalties, with Josh Koroma, Reeco Hackett and Dane Scarlett all scoring for Pompey. Both sides are through to the last 32 teams in the tournament, for what it's worth !
please log in to view this image Impressive ex-Spurs youngster tipped for bright future after trio of penalty stops as Pompey progress in cup
