The quest for League One promotion takes a break for the next few days, as Pompey try to progress in a couple of cup competitions. First up for Kenny Jackett’s men is a Fratton clash with Scunthorpe in the quarter-finals of the Leasing.com Trophy. The Blues are looking to become the first side to successfully defend the silverware, which they lifted at Wembley last year. Trying to halt their route to the national stadium this evening, however, is an Iron outfit currently sitting 14th in the League Two standings. A poor start to the season would have got fans fearing the worst, but they have managed to pull a comfortable 10 points clear of the single relegation place. United go into the contest on the back of a draw at promotion-chasing Bradford at the weekend, which saw them battle from two goals down. Paul Hurst’s side finished second behind Leicester in their Leasing.com Trophy group and have since seen off Blackpool and Manchester City’s youngsters. Pompey won 2-0 when the sides last met at Fratton Park 10 months ago, with Omar Bogle and Jamal Lowe on target. TEAM NEWS There are doubts over James Bolton (illness) and Ellis Harrison (foot), but Jack Whatmough could make a first appearance of the season. Ross McCrorie has returned to training following a hamstring injury, although tonight’s game comes too soon for the Rangers loanee. It leaves Lee Brown (Achilles) and Bryn Morris (groin) as the only members of the squad currently injured. Scunthorpe will be without Rory McArdle (hamstring), Regan Slater (ankle) and Yann Songo’o (knee), while there is a doubt over the availability of Kevin van Veen (leg). Lee Novak can play, as his suspension only covers league matches, but fellow forward Jamie Proctor has been recalled from his loan spell by Rotherham. HEAD TO HEAD Overall Pompey: 10 wins Scunthorpe: 9 wins 9 draws At Fratton Park Pompey: 6 wins Scunthorpe: 3 wins 5 wins TICKETS Pompey fans can secure tickets online here or by visiting the Anson Road ticket office. From 5.30pm this evening, they can also be bought from the matchday ticket office in Frogmore Road, which is also the location for ticket collections. The Victory Bar behind the Fratton End will be open to supporters from 5pm. OFFICIALS Referee: Kevin Johnson Assistants: Anthony Da Costa and Gregory Read Fourth Official: Will Finnie BETTING Pompey are the 4/7 favourites with Sky Bet to progress after 90 minutes, while the visitors can be backed at 4/1.
Gareth Evans looks up for it tonight. He takes down Harness' lobbed pass superbly before cracking a right-footed angled shot that's well saved by Rory Watson. 8 minutes.
1-0 to Pompey. John Marquis opens the scoring!!! Ryan Williams fizzing ball is controlled by Marquis in the area. He spins to create himself a yard of space before finishing with aplomb. A well-deserved lead for the Blues. 13 minutes. please log in to view this image
Gareth Evans pass, and a long distance shot from John Marquis pushed round a post for a corner kick 39 minutes.