Match Day Thread Pompey v Sutton Utd - EFL Trophy

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Pompey will look to get their first points on the board in this season’s Papa John’s Trophy when they host Sutton tonight (7.45pm kick-off).

Danny Cowley’s side were involved in an entertaining 5-3 defeat at AFC Wimbledon in their opening match in Southern Group B.

Their opponents, meanwhile, enjoyed their maiden match in this competition, easing to a 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace’s under-21 side.

United are still basking in their success from last term, when they held off Torquay to claim the National League title.

It meant that the club were promoted into the Football League for the first time in their 123-year history.

And after a bright start, Matt Gray's men have settled into life in the fourth tier, securing five wins from their past six fixtures.

That includes a dramatic 4-3 triumph over Port Vale at the weekend, which saw them recover from trailing with just three minutes remaining.

In the event of a draw after 90 minutes this evening, both sides will claim a point. A penalty shoot-out will then be held, with the winners earning a bonus point.


TEAM NEWS

Pompey are likely to make a number of changes, with Miguel Azeez, Gavin Bazunu and Joe Morrell away on international duty.

Skipper Clark Robertson (hip), Jayden Reid (knee) and Liam Vincent (shin) are all long-term absentees.

Sutton striker Omar Bugiel is currently away representing Lebanon, while Kenny Davis (hamstring) is a doubt.


HEAD TO HEAD
This will be the first competitive meeting between Pompey and Sutton.

The sides did play a friendly at Gander Green Lane in the summer of 2016, with Christian Oxlade-Chamberlain grabbing the Blues' consolation goal in a 2-1 defeat.


TICKETS
Pompey fans can buy their seat online here or by visiting the Anson Road ticket office. From 5pm this evening, they can also be purchased from 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.

Parking spaces in the main car park behind the Fratton End must be pre-booked online here.


OFFICIALS
Referee: Lee Swabey
Assistants: Leigh Crowhurst and Greg Read
Fourth Official: Stuart Butler


BETTING
Pompey are the 13/10 favourites with VBET to secure all three points, while the visitors can be backed at 2/1.

 

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Lee Swabey is today's referee for Pompey vs Sutton United

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Pompey's record with him in charge - P11 W10 D0 L1

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Sutton's record with him in charge - P0 W0 D0 L0

 

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I'm watching the game tonight on iFollow, so will be back on here at half time !

 

Half time whistle goes, and it's 0-0. Disappointing first half for us. We have made them look very good at times, with some of our laid back passing.

In the 43rd minute, Paul Downing went off injured, to be replaced by Kieron Freeman in the defence.

That was probably the most exciting thing to happen in the first 45 minutes.

 

Half Time Match Stats:-

Possession: Pompey - 58.8%; Sutton - 41.2%

Shots: Pompey 2; Sutton 7

On Target: Pompey 0; Sutton 3

Fouls: Pompey 5; Sutton 5

Corners: Pompey 0; Sutton 3

 

Full Time Match Stats:-

Possession: Pompey - 60%; Sutton - 40%

Shots: Pompey 2; Sutton 13

On Target: Pompey 0; Sutton 4

Fouls: Pompey 14; Sutton 13

Corners: Pompey 1; Sutton 5

 

Full time whistle, and it's 0-2 to Sutton who took their goals well.

Shaun Williams replaced Haji Mnoga at half time. Sutton took the lead in the 55th minute with a goal from Isaac Olaofe. In the 56th minute, Ellis Harrison replaced Gassan Ahadme......Harrison went off injured with what looked like a damaged hamstring in the 66th minute which put us down to 10 men, as all three subs had already been used.

In the 71st minute, Sutton went two up with a goal from Lewis John. Two bookings, Eastmond of Sutton, and then Michael Jacobs of Pompey, both for fouls.

Not too worried about losing the match. More concerned about the injuries to Downing and Harrison.

 

Match High/Lowlights:-

https://c.newsnow.co.uk/A/1099590688?-11209:804

 

Young defender Haji Mnoga also apparently injured last night