Pompey switch their focus from one cup competition to another when they host Northampton in the Leasing.com Trophy tonight. The competition holders eased through to the knockout stages with a game to spare, eventually taking top spot and guaranteeing a home tie. Their opponents – who have never lifted the silverware – were runners-up behind Peterborough in Southern Group H. A bonus-point draw with Arsenal was followed by a home defeat to Posh and a narrow victory at Cambridge. The bigger priority for Keith Curle’s men, however, will be trying keep up their challenge for League Two promotion. They are currently sitting in sixth position and are just three points outside the top three with more than half the season still to play. The Cobblers – who relegated from the third tier at the end of the 2017/18 campaign – are unbeaten in eight games in all competitions and knocked Notts County out of the FA Cup at the weekend. But their last visit to Fratton Park in December 2017 ended in a 3-1 defeat and they also lost on the south coast in an EFL Trophy tie that season. TEAM NEWS Ross McCrorie, Tom Naylor and Sean Raggett are all available again for Pompey after returning to full training. Jack Whatmough has also recovered from a knee injury, but is not yet ready to be considered for selection. It leaves midfielder Bryn Morris (groin) as the only member of the Blues squad currently out of action. Northampton played on Sunday and, like Pompey, are likely to make plenty of changes to their side. HEAD TO HEAD Overall Pompey: 18 wins Northampton: 10 wins 7 draws At Fratton Park Pompey: 12 wins Northampton: 3 wins 4 draws TICKETS Pompey fans can secure seats by visiting the Anson Road ticket office. From 5.30pm this evening, they can also be bought from the ticket office in Frogmore Road. OFFICIALS Referee: Will Finnie Assistants: Michael Webb and Adrian Tranter Fourth Official: Adrian Quelch BETTING Pompey are the 1/2 favourites with Sky Bet to progress inside 90 minutes, while the visitors can be backed at 9/2.
Sorry, a bit late in commencing the thread ! Northampton went 0-1 up in the 12th minute with a headed goal by Michael Harriman. Joe Martin floats in a cross and Harriman is left all on his own to head home from close range.
Ross McCrorie goes on a menacing run and beats three players. He cracks a shot from just outside the area which Turnbull blocks for a corner. Marcus Harness' delivery is a poor one and fails to beat the first man. 21 minutes.
Superb play from Marcus Harness to jink past Turnbull and stand up a cross but it's just over the head of Brett Pitman. 32 minutes.
1-1 in the 39th minute. 18 year old winger Leon Maloney scores his first senior Pompey goal. Marcus Harness' deflected cross makes his way to the youngster at the back post and he bravely stoops low and heads home.
James Bolton and Joe Martin go head to head and a melee ensues down the touchline. Martin will not let go of Bolton's shirt ! The referee gives both yellow cards. 42 minutes.
Gareth Evans looks to have suffered a head injury and looks set to continue after 2 minutes treatment. 45 + 5 minutes.
2-1 to Pompey, with a goal from Marcus Harness superbly shooting into the roof of the net from Gareth Evans' cross. 62 minutes.