|
|
|
Pompey recorded their first
win in this season’s Papa Johns Trophy with a 5-0 rout of Aston Villa
under-21s at Fratton Park. There were just 67 seconds on the clock when Ronan Curtis opened the scoring and Michael Jacobs quickly added another. Substitute Josh Koroma added a double following the interval and Reeco Hackett also got in on the act. And the margin of victory could have been even greater, with the Blues completely dominating the Southern Group B contest. Danny Cowley made 10 changes from the side that were narrowly beaten at Ipswich in the league at the weekend. Sean Raggett – who wore the captain’s armband – was the only player to keep his place in the starting line-up. He was joined in defence by Zak Swanson, Kieron Freeman and Denver Hume, protecting Josh Oluwayemi between the sticks. Joe Pigott partnered Hackett up front, while the midfield included Curtis, Ryan Tunnicliffe, Jay Mingi and Jacobs. Five academy players were named among the substitutes, joining Joe Morrell and Koroma on the bench. There was a minute’s silence before kick-off to remember all those who died in the Indonesian stadium tragedy at the weekend. Pompey came tearing out of the blocks when the action started, roaring into a two-goal lead before most fans had the chance to settle into their seats. They showcased some neat passing football and Filip Marschall could only parry Pigott’s shot into the path of CURTIS, who was left with a simple finish. And the advantage was soon doubled after Hume had stolen possession from Taylor-Jay Hart wide on the left. He found JACOBS, who worked the ball onto his right foot before drilling it into the bottom corner of the net. It might have got even better on 14 minutes, with Pigott collecting a pass from Jacobs and drawing a smart stop from Marschall. Most of the action had taken place in the Villa half, although the visitors did have a chance of their own and Oluwayemi had to beat away Kyrie Pierre’s fierce attempt. But the Blues were well on top and when Curtis met Hume’s cross with a fine header, it took a superb Marschall save to deny the Republic of Ireland international. He was producing a bright performance wide on the right and a delightful ball over the top was just about reached by Marschall before Swanson could capitalise. Pompey were forced into a change on 34 minutes, however, as Pigott limped off to be replaced by Koroma. The newcomer immediately proved to be a lively presence and the visitors were just about able to protect Marschall for the remainder of the half. |
||
|
Portsmouth 2 Aston Villa U21 0 |
||
|
Cowley made a switch at the
start of the second half, with Morrell replacing Raggett and Mingi
dropping back into defence. And Pompey immediately set about trying to extend their lead, as Jacobs fired against the post after turning the Villa defence inside out. Hackett then prodded a shot narrowly past the post before a third goal finally did arrive on 53 minutes. Jacobs crossed with the outside of his boot and Marschall could only parry the ball into the path of Tunnicliffe, who laid it off for KOROMA to lash into the roof of the net. And KOROMA soon had another, sneaking a shot inside the near post after combining well with Tunnicliffe inside the area. With Pompey in complete control, academy midfielder Adam Payce was given a chance to impress, replacing the excellent Jacobs. The crowd soon had the opportunity to celebrate another goal, as HACKETT surged forward and drilled a 25-yard effort into the bottom corner. That did not sate the hosts’ hunger for more, though, and Hume fired narrowly over after Curtis had been denied by Marschall. Koroma wanted a hat-trick and he came close to getting one on 81 minutes, angling a low shot inches past the post. The feelgood feeling improved further seconds later, with Cowley bringing on teenage duo Harvey Laidlaw and Brian Quarm for their senior debuts. And the attacking intent did not stop for Pompey, as Marschall denied Hackett late on before the final whistle finally brought Villa some respite. Referee: Alan Young |
| Home . Portsmouth FC . Celebrity . Music Technology . On This Day . Concerts . Autoliv AGB . Movies . Obituary |
|
|
|
|
|
Updated - 27/11/2023 |
|
Optimised for Google Chrome |
|
