Pompey’s latest Emirates FA Cup adventure begins with a trip to Harrogate Town in front of the BT Sport cameras this evening. Kenny Jackett’s side will be looking to at least match their run in last season’s competition, when they made it through to the fourth round. They began with an away game at National League opposition back then, easing to a 4-0 victory over Maidenhead. Last-gasp wins on the road at Rochdale and – most memorably – Norwich followed before the Blues finally bowed out to QPR in a Loftus Road replay. They have already enjoyed a run to the third round of the Carabao Cup this term and made it through to the knockout stages of the Leasing.com Trophy. But after the league, it is this famous old competition that will be treated with most importance by a side who enjoyed Wembley triumphs in both 1939 and 2008. Town are competing in the first round proper for just the fourth time and have never faced a team from the third tier or higher. They currently sit seventh in the National League standings, with boss Simon Weaver named the division’s Manager of the Month for October. TEAM NEWS Craig MacGillivray is a doubt to face his former club after a thigh injury kept him out of Tuesday’s league win over Southend. On-loan Scotland under-21 skipper Ross McCrorie hurt his hamstring against the Shrimpers and is set to be sidelined for 4-6 weeks. The trio of Oli Hawkins (foot), Bryn Morris (groin) and Jack Whatmough (knee) are all still missing for the Blues. Former Premier League striker Jon Stead is suspended for the hosts, who are also likely to be without Connor Hall (groin). HEAD TO HEAD This will be the first competitive meeting between the two clubs. TICKETS Pompey have sold out their full allocation of tickets and no more will be made available. Visiting supporters can enter via the south turnstiles from 5.30pm, but will not be permitted entry to the home side’s 1919 Bar. The Harrogate Arms (HG1 2QU) is located in the town centre and offer 20 per cent off all food and drink for any supporter with a match ticket. OFFICIALS Referee: Anthony Backhouse Assistants: Barry Gordon and Kevin Mulraine Fourth Official: Ben Toner BETTING Pompey are the 1/2 favourites with Sky Bet to secure the win, while the hosts can be backed at 5/1. FA CUP DRAW: The second round draw will take place from approximately 7pm this evening and be screened live on BBC Two.
If we get through this, it would be brilliant to get Chichester!!! A wonderful local derby would be fantastic for both Pompey and Chichester fans.
please log in to view this image 12 minutes ago............A powercut in Harrogate means the game is in doubt. We will keep you posted. Photo credit: Neil Allen on Twitter. If we do go ahead... Pompey line up with a first-choice side in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
There is an announcement to be made at 7.45 pm as to whether the game will take place tonight, or not !
The FA Cup second round draw has been made already, so if we beat Harrogate Town, we will be at home to Altrincham of Vanarama National League North.
If the match does go ahead, then this is the home side's starting line-up:- Harrogate 1 James Belshaw 2 Ryan Fallowfield 22 Will Smith 20 Connor Hall 3 George Smith 14 Brendan Kiernan 4 Josh Falkingham 6 Warren Burrell 23 Jack Diamond 9 Mark Beck 18 Jack Muldoon Substitutes 7 George Thomson 8 Jack Emmett 10 Sam Jones 12 Matthew Taylor 13 Joe Cracknell 15 Alex Bradley 21 Scott Brown Substitute Alex Bradley who is on loan from Lincoln City, is a former Havant & Waterlooville player.
We need candles and everyone´s mobiles to provide the necessary light. PFC fans should have a clear run home when the game finishes around 1130. Just hope the road conditions are good. This game should have been played Sunday lunchtime given the distance Pompey fans have travelled.
1-0 to Harrogate Town Mess up in defence, and a goal by Mark Beck in the 7th minute. Pompey players having problems coping with the 3G artificial plastic pitch.
1-1 now !! Lovely shot, and first ever senior goal from right back Brandon Haunstrup. Assisted by Ryan Williams. 17 minutes.
Attempt missed. Connor Hall (Harrogate Town) header from the centre of the box misses to the left. Assisted by Ryan Fallowfield with a cross following a corner. 20th minute.