Portsmouth FC 22/23

CARDIFF CITY

PORTSMOUTH

Pigott 58

Curtis 68 (pen)

Bishop 72

TEAMS and STATS

Pompey cruised into the second round of the Carabao Cup with a second-half dismantling of Championship side Cardiff.

Joe Pigott opened the scoring before Ronan Curtis doubled the advantage with a supremely confident penalty.

And Colby Bishop came off the bench to wrap things up and ensure that the Blues would claim a scalp.

It might have been a different story, though, if the hosts – who had Vontae Campbell sent off late on – had taken any of their numerous openings before the break.

Danny Cowley made six changes from the side that were held to a draw by Lincoln in the league at the weekend.

Owen Dale was handed a debut just a couple of days after completing a loan switch from Blackpool, while there were first starts for Zak Swanson and Dane Scarlett.

Curtis, Jay Mingi and Haji Mnoga were also included in the line-up, with new arrival Tom Lowery on the bench.

Pompey came close to taking the lead in the opening seconds, with Pigott stealing possession and firing in a shot that was turned around the post by Jak Alnwick.

But they came under some intense pressure for the remainder of the first half, as skipper Sean Raggett did a good job of commanding a more youthful back-line.

A long-range attempt from Joe Ralls – wearing the Cardiff armband – flew inches past Josh Griffiths’ post.

The home side did have the ball in the back of the net on 12 minutes when Campbell’s effort was diverted home by Mark Harris.

But an offside flag was instantly raised and after consulting with his assistant, referee Lee Swabey ruled the goal out.

Marlon Pack was full of fizz against his former club and did well to get in the way of Ollie Tanner’s drive.

Griffiths was then called into action and after not being able to hold Ralls’ free-kick, the keeper made a smart save to prevent Eli King from converting the loose ball.

Ralls had a shot of his own just a few minutes later and it deflected off the heel of Mnoga before spinning wide.

Pompey then had Raggett to thank for keeping the scores level on 37 minutes after Cardiff broke following a dangerous Scarlett attack.

Jaden Philogene did well to advance forward and find Gavin Whyte, whose effort was superbly cleared from the line by the imperious defender.

The visitors enjoyed a spell of possession as the half reached its conclusion, but could not get through to test Alnwick.

Cardiff City 0

Portsmouth 0

Cowley made a couple of changes before the action restarted, likely with one eye on Saturday’s trip to Cheltenham.

Raggett and Pack were the men withdrawn, with Michael Morrison and debutant Lowery on to replace them.

It was Pompey who were first to threaten when Dale collected the ball at the back post, but he quickly had three defenders on him and could not force a shot through them.

Cardiff were soon back on the attack themselves, although neither Philogene nor King were able to find the target.

And the hosts were made to pay for their missed opportunities when they fell behind just before the hour mark.

Curtis intercepted a loose pass at the back and laid the ball off for PIGOTT, who scuffed his shot past Alnwick’s dive and into the net.

He soon had a new strike partner, with Scarlett withdrawn and Colby Bishop joining the attacking ranks.

And Cowley soon used up all of his substitutions, as Reeco Hackett and Jacobs replaced Dale and Pigott.

Those two also combined to double the lead, with the former racing clear and unselfishly squaring for the latter to draw a fine save from Alnwick.

But the Blues did go further ahead on 68 minutes after Morrison had been clearly tugged to the turf by Curtis Nelson from a corner.

Swabey hesitated before pointing to the spot and CURTIS made no mistake with a penalty that almost ripped the net off.

And it got even better for the visiting support moments later when BISHOP climbed highest at the back post to firmly head home a Jacobs corner.

Jacobs then tried an audacious attempt from inside his own half after spotting Alnwick off his line, but could not quite find the target.

And at the other end, the visitors were putting their bodies on the line to prevent City from getting back into the tie.

A miserable night for Cardiff was complete at the death when Campbell went flying in on Joe Rafferty and was dismissed by Swabey.

Referee: Lee Swabey

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TOP Updated - 24/11/2023

































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