Pompey make the shortish trip up the road to Aldershot tomorrow night, the conference side looked to have won the first match at Fratton two Sunday’s ago, but Danny Hollands late leveller earned the replay.
Vital Quotes:
Andy Scott believes home advantage will inspire the shots to the second round, to be fair his outfit probably deserved to win the first run, Pompey had dominated the first half, but fell away alarmingly after the shots equaliser.
Aldershot Team News:
The Aldershot injury crisis shows no signs of slowing down, this hasn’t slowed their progress on the pitch however, a run of 7 games without defeat has buoyed confidence, two straight wins since the first meeting has also raised spirits further, big doubts though are, Jaydon Gibbs, Jordan Roberts and Mark Phillips, while Josh Scott faces a late fitness test.
Player to watch: Smith
The keeper was bombed out of Fratton after only one year, he looked solid enough back at the park though, hopefully he will have plenty to do on Wednesday evening!
Pompey Team News:
Pompey can welcome back Paul Robinson who saw red in the first meeting, he was sorely missed against Plymouth at the weekend, midfield looks to be Awford’s real quandary, Hollands is a certainty while no one can so far make a marker in place of the injured Dunne, Nick Awford came in for some unfair stick at the weekend, he didn’t exactly excel to be fair, but was by no means the worst player on the pitch. Ben Close is another trying to force his way in, I reckon Awfs will plump for big Nige on the day though. Nicky Shorey must be under pressure from Dan Butler at left back, he looks quality when pushing forward but his legs look shot in defence, this was cruelly highlighted by Plymouth Saturday lunchtime.
Player to watch: Robinson
Our Millwall loanee has become a key component since arriving from the lions, the fact Millwall let him become cup tied hopefully points to a longer blues stay.
Match Facts & Stats
One horrifying stat is the fact Pompey have not one an FA cup tie since beating Spurs at Wembley in 2010!
Ref Watch:
James Osterburg jnr
Next Fixtures:
Home to Morecombe at Fratton on Saturday