The likes of Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United lie tantalisingly in wait for the winners of Emirates FA Cup second round ties. But before dreaming of a mouth-watering clash with Premier League opponents, there is a job to do this weekend. Harrogate Town – who sit seventh in League Two – are the visitors to Fratton Park on Saturday (3pm kick-off). It has been some rise for Simon Weaver’s side, who were competing in the sixth tier as recently as 2018. But two promotions in the space of three seasons saw them reach the EFL for the very first time – and they certainly do not look out of place there. They drew 1-1 at Swindon in their last outing, are still in the Papa John’s Trophy and reached this stage of the FA Cup by beating Wrexham last month. There has only been one previous meeting between Pompey and Harrogate – and that took place in round one of the same competition two years ago. The Yorkshire contest was delayed by almost an hour because of a power cut and when it did get started, the Blues fell behind before goals from Brandon Haunstrup and Ronan Curtis eventually secured progress. TEAM NEWS Sean Raggett is available again after serving a one-match ban, while Lee Brown and John Marquis have returned to full training after a spell on the sidelines. Skipper Clark Robertson (hip) is joined by Paul Downing (calf), Jayden Reid (knee) and Ryan Tunnicliffe (hamstring) in the treatment room. The visitors will be without the defensive trio of Ryan Fallowfield (groin), Rory McArdle (groin) and Will Smith (hernia), as well as striker Aaron Martin (knee). HEAD TO HEAD Overall Pompey: 1 win Harrogate: 0 wins 0 draws At Fratton Park Pompey: 0 wins Harrogate: 0 wins 0 draw TICKETS Pompey fans can secure a seat for the second round contest online here. On the day of the game – when prices increase – they can also be purchased from the Anson Road ticket office or the booth behind the Fratton End. Fratton Park is now a cashless stadium, with contactless payments will be required in all food kiosks and hospitality areas, as well as for the purchase of tickets. Portsmouth Football Club respectfully ask all supporters to adhere to the Code of Conduct to ensure an enjoyable and safe matchday experience for all. The Victory Bar will be open for home fans from 12pm on Saturday. OFFICIALS Referee: Simon Mather Assistants: Justin Amey and Andy Bennett Fourth Official: Steven Hughes BETTING Pompey are the 52/100 favourites with VBET to reach the second round, while the visitors can be backed at 5/1.
please log in to view this image please log in to view this image George Hirst and Joe Morrell miss today's game because of a sickness bug
please log in to view this image Ball number 64 for Pompey or Harrogate Town, in the 3rd Round draw !
Attempt saved. Connor Hall (Harrogate Town) header from the centre of the box is saved in the top centre of the goal. 2 minutes.
Mahlon Romeo whips a ball in from the right but Marcus Harness' downward header is wide of the target. 7 minutes.
Applause broke out in the sixth minute as fans inside Fratton Park paid tribute to the life of Arthur Labinjo-Hughes. Nice gesture.
The ball breaks to Marcus Harness inside the box, but goalkeeper Mark Oxley makes the block and the ball's bundled behind for a corner. 10 minutes.
Mahlon Romeo gets a chance at the back post after Marcus Harness puts the ball in, but the defender sends his shot on the half-volley just wide. 20 minutes.
Attempt blocked. Michael Jacobs (Portsmouth) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. 20 minutes.
Attempt missed. Jack Diamond (Harrogate Town) header from the centre of the box misses to the left following a set piece situation. 31 minutes.
