Town’s FA Cup run ended at the third round stage for the sixth successive year as the 10-man Blues were beaten 2-1 by League Two Portsmouth at Fratton Park. Former Blue Gary Roberts netted a penalty in the 32nd minute, then Marc McNulty added a second five minutes later to give Pompey a comfortable 2-0 half-time lead, then after the break Ainsley Maitland-Niles pulled one back before Piotr Malarczyk was sent off for two bookable offences.

Boss Mick McCarthy named the anticipated entirely changed XI from the side which drew 1-1 with Preston on Saturday.

Bartosz Bialkowski returned in goal with Josh Emmanuel at right-back, Myles Kenlock left-back and Malarczyk and Paul Digby the centre-halves, as they were in the first game between the sides at Portman Road 10 days ago, which ended 2-2.

In midfield, Luke Hyam skippered and was joined in the centre by Jay Tabb with Maitland-Niles on the right and Tommy Oar on the left. Up front, former Pompey striker Luke Varney was partnered by Brett Pitman.

The bench featured Joe Robinson, Kyle Hammond and Shane McLoughlin, all yet to make a first-team appearance, and Adam McDonnell, whose only previous senior game for the Blues came in the Capital One Cup at Doncaster.

Portsmouth named both their ex-Town players, keeper Brian Murphy and winger Roberts, in a team featuring three changes from their team at Portman Road with skipper Michael Doyle, Gareth Evans and Christian Burgess replacing Danny Hollands, Ben Close and Adam McGurk.

The home side created the game’s first opening in the third minute when Kyle Bennett was sent in on the left of the area but hit his shot across the advancing Bialkowski and wide.

Town, wearing their orange and black third kit, threatened for the first time a minute later when Pitman reacted quickly to reach an under-powered Doyle header back towards keeper Murphy, but looped the ball on to the roof of the net.

But as in the first game the League Two side were seeing most of the ball and on nine Roberts shot straight at Bialkowski.

Malarczyk was handed the game’s first yellow card for blocking Marc McNulty in the 14th minute. Roberts slammed the freekick against the wall.

The Blues started to come more into it after the quarter-hour, Pitman’s header from Maitland-Niles’s cross from the right was diverted away, then the former Bournemouth man tried to slip Varney in on goal, but the ball caught the one-time Pompey striker’s heels.

But the home side were still having more of the ball and on 19 Bennett cut in from the left and scraped a shot wide.

Emmanuel did well to get in front of Evans on 21 as he looked to head home Ben Davies’s dangerous cross from the right.

Neither side was able to create another opportunity until the 31st minute when Barton played in McNulty but Bialkowski quickly came off his line to block.

However, the home side kept hold of the ball and got it back in the box where Roberts was scruffily felled by Malarczyk. Referee Andy Woolmer considered his decision before pointing to the spot, leading to Blues’ protests, although the Polish defender kept out of it having already been booked.

The ex-Town winger took the kick himself and Bialkowski was unfortunate not to save it, diving to his left and clawing it into the opposite corner of the net with his right hand.

Bennett hit a weak effort through to Bialkowski, before the home side increased their lead in the 37th minute. Evans drifted a cross over from the right and McNulty placed a header past the Blues keeper from six yards.

Having gained their two-goal lead Portsmouth had their tails very much up and were continuing to take the game to the lacklustre Blues. Just before half-time, McNulty was threaded in on goal but Bialkowski came off his line quickly to claim.

The home side were good for their two-goal lead at the break having created the game’s best opportunities - Pitman’s early moment of opportunism the nearest the Blues came to a goal - and as at Portman Road having played the better football.

Aside from a spell in the middle of the half prior to the goals when they had been unable to create a chance, much-changed Town had been on the back foot throughout.

Five minutes after the restart, the home side almost added to their lead. Evans played in McNulty on the right of the area, beating the offside trap, according to the linesman, but saw his shot blocked by Bialkowski as he rushed off his line. The on-loan Sheffield United man looped the rebound well over.

A minute later Pompey went close again. A well-worked freekick routine on the left was played inside to skipper Doyle, whose strike flew not far wide of Bialkowski’s right post.

The home side continued to present the greater threat, Evans breaking away on 56 but shooting well over.

The Blues had made little impression on the second half when Maitland-Niles pulled a goal back out of nothing. The on-loan Arsenal man curled a superb strike into the top corner of Murphy’s net from 25 yards to claim his second senior goal.

Pompey weren’t far from restoring their two-goal advantage four minutes later when McNulty was fed in on the left of the area and cut the ball across the six-yard box, but no one was on hand to apply the final touch.

Pitman looped an ambitious effort into Murphy’s arms from well out on the right on 66 but Blues chances remained rare. On 71 Tabb was replaced in central midfield by Giles Coke.

A minute later, Varney and Pitman conjured an opportunity after an error from Burgess, the former Pompey man laying the ball back to his strike partner, who screwed his shot well over.

Larsen Touré, back after his groin problem, replaced Varney as the game moved into its final quarter hour.

A minute later, the Blues were reduced to 10 men. Roberts got away from Malarczyk midway inside the Town half and the already-booked defender caught his legs, probably inadvertently.

Referee Woolmer showed the Pole, making only his third Town start, his second yellow card of the evening and then the Blues’ first red of the season. Sub Coke moved into the back four.

In the final minute of scheduled time U21s skipper Joe Robinson was handed his senior debut in place of Maitland-Niles, taking up his usual role at the centre of the defence with Coke moving back into midfield.

Town pressed for an equaliser in injury time but Portsmouth keeper Murphy was never seriously tested and referee Woolmer’s whistle confirmed Pompey’s first victory over the Blues at Fratton Park since October 1966.

The home side thoroughly deserved the victory on the balance of both games with the Blues never really looking like getting anything out of the replay, despite Maitland-Niles’s excellent second-half goal.

A stronger Town side would almost certainly have given Pompey - who face Premier League AFC Bournemouth at home in round four - a more significant test in both games, but as manager McCarthy made clear with his line-ups, the Championship is very much his priority.

Reading’s 5-2 victory at home to Huddersfield means Town’s Championship game against the Royals set for a week on Saturday will be postponed and will be played on Tuesday 2nd February.

Portsmouth: Murphy, Davies, Webster, Burgess (Close 85), Stevens, Barton, Doyle (c), Evans, Roberts (Chaplin 82), Bennett, McNulty. Unused: Bass, May, Tollitt, Naismith, McGurk.

Town: Bialkowski, Emmanuel, Digby, Malarczyk, Kenlock, Hyam (c), Tabb (Coke 71), Maitland-Niles (Robinson 89), Oar, Varney (Touré 76), Pitman. Unused: Gerken, Hammond, McDonnell, Touré, McLoughlin. Referee: Andy Woolmer (Northamptonshire). Att: 15,179 (Town: 796).

Photo: Action Images

Gingerblues added 22:05 - Jan 19 For all the talk of this seasons squad having more depth, defensively we have no cover what so ever. What exactly would we do if berra got injured and the knudsen limped off? We have one option for cover chambo to the center, cover at right back. In reality mm would go straight to the loan market. This shows the back up players aren't good enough.
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GoldieBlue added 22:08 - Jan 19 Put aside the team selection debate, very worrying that the team has struggled just to compete with Pompey. Only down to Sears and Fraser that we made it to the 2nd leg. Good luck to them in the next round though, I'd like to see them beat Bournemouth.
14

hinchers1066 added 22:08 - Jan 19 Well we have a really good squad then "quote, unquote".. Lets hope that none of our first team squad are long term injured, because on tonight's performance we will be nowhere near the play offs. MM is not interested in the FA cup or the league cup but more worrying is the total lack of depth in this squad. Where in heavens name is ITFC going. Feel very, very sorry for the 800 fans who travelled such a distance to support the team they love to be shown how to play the beautiful game by a bunch of players in the third tier. So how good are the fringe players in the squad, but we must remember that there are no better players out there according to MM.

17

Warkys_Tash added 22:10 - Jan 19 GUTLESS! No true Town fan should be happy with this. The last two Saturday matches (incl Pompey at home) have been absolutely dire. I missed the Tues game against Leeds due to work, so haven't seen Town play well for ages. This brand of dull football is getting very tiresome. Yes, we are 7th in the league but who wants to spend their precious weekends watching such rubbish? Why didn't we go get a marquee signing in the middle of the park in the absence of, the very sorely missed, Bishop? In the Johnny Williams/Jim Magilton mould? Milne says we have funds available, it's obvious we don't have a pot. The team is crying out for it!

23

Cloddyseedbed added 22:12 - Jan 19 Portsmouth in league 2 fielded a weakened side and Ipswich in Championship fielded a weakened side. Portsmouth completely outplayed the Ipswich team who had to wait for 48 minutes before they won a corner. Ipswich also had a player sent off. I would like to know what positives are taken from a game like that, when we are made a football and football club laughing stock? I personally feel really bad about the build up to this game, the performance and result. Get a grip Ipswich please, don't sink to these lows. Tonight we are a laughing stock and the players that played, how the hell does that give them confidence in the next game they play in? Whether it is U21's or 1st team. Birmingham on Saturday and another major reshuffle, what could go wrong? Don't enter the FA cup next year, or maybe the FA should ban clubs from entering who show the competition and supporters such contempt.

22

Dissboyitfc added 22:13 - Jan 19 Hinchers... pompey are in the fourth tier! Rubbish, its the only word to describe tonight!
10

runaround added 22:13 - Jan 19 Not a surprise at all, the only surprise is we only lost 2-1. The club has seemed to treat cup competitions as an unwanted distraction for years with the whole emphasis on not risking the top players. Is it any wonder why the second string don't then perform?! To be honest, this season the fixtures Tuesday after the 3rd round was always going to mean reserves played. But it's all wrong & like many others I have great memories of cup matches in the past but almost dread it now. Not sure we will ever win a cup game again at this rate! When I saw the line-up I couldn't even bear to listen to the match. I can understand Mick's thinking in resting players for Saturday's vital league match but all 11? Really? Win at Birmingham Saturday & in the end it will have been the right decision, lose to Brum then what a double blow

13

WhoisJimmyJuan added 22:14 - Jan 19 For me the bottom line is that the players and management are in the entertainment business. You should try your best to put on a show for the fans that pay to watch. Now ok the FA cup nay not be the be all and end all but it is still your duty. If results in the league are the be all that's fine. But you need a plan B in case of injury. For whatever reason this lot tonight and the reserves aren't performing. So heaven help us if we get an outbreak of food poisoning or flu. There is no plan b and that is the fault of management. Mialcyk, Coke, Hensall, Stewart et al were all signed but we have no plan B. This is not ALL ROUND good club management

16

nthstd added 22:17 - Jan 19 Disgraceful to disrespect the FA cup and the fans who went for this game.
10

thebeat added 22:19 - Jan 19 Not only do we now know our fringe players are all bobbins but now the Reading game is moved to Tuesday night. My season ticket isnt just about the match, its about the whole day, the pub beforehand with mates etc not rushing home from work and getting to the ground just before kick off. Thanks lads, thanks a lot
3

Bluetone added 22:19 - Jan 19 What McCarthy thinks but won't have the courage to say "I don't give a flying one for the F A Cup or the town supporters so get use to it".
6

pablo123 added 22:22 - Jan 19 Utterly embarassing performance !! Pompey have a damn site better chance of promotion than us this season , yet THEY still thought it right and proper to field a strong side !! Our club has no ambition from the owner and manager whatsoever , and scant regard for how our brilliant fans feel !!!!! Its shamefull
6

ChrisR added 22:22 - Jan 19 Fan since Dec 26th 1966 and I hereby state that I officially give up . Premier League will never come with this squad , manager or owner.
7

bluelady added 22:23 - Jan 19 To be fair we are all being a little over dramatic? We had 11 new players today from sat, bringing in the odd player to cover injury does not put them under as much pressure as for example a totally inexperienced back four. That said I am very disappointed we didn't put out at least half a decent team.... Those "experienced" players like Varney, Tabb and even Hyam did themselves little justice today so won't be giving mick any selection headaches.

0

sproughtonblue added 22:26 - Jan 19 What a bloody waste of time ,money . Why should we loyal supporters who travel thousands of miles to support the team( both home and away ) have to put up with such utter dross. After 15 consecutive seasons as a ticket holder this is my last. And certainly my last away game And still got another hours drive home.
11

stormypetrel added 22:26 - Jan 19 It was clear what Mcarthy was going to do...you would blind otherwise...respect to those that went but truly, it was a choice one had in face of the facts....not sure what people expect ...club in debt???could be a Bolton but isn't, could be like Leeds but isn't, could be Charlton but we aren't....live another day for Birmingham ......get real....it's a business not a community charity....

-9

cartman1972 added 22:27 - Jan 19 We should be spending like Sheffield Wed are planning to....we will be left behind again.
0

harry7881 added 22:32 - Jan 19 Any chance of us opting out of cups as its pointless us being in them. This is no good for anybody putting out a week side with youngsters in to have there confidence crushed
0

Pezzer added 22:38 - Jan 19 Just listening to 5live en route home from the match... Villa played a strong team as did West Brom..Pulis saying he respects the FA cup.
1

madmouse1959 added 22:39 - Jan 19 What is it with Ipswich ? We can,t play a team to dispose of Portsmouth in order for a money earner against a premiership team Bournemouth in the next round. Tired legs after a 1-1 draw with Preston ? I feel sorry for the 800 fans who travelled who were hoping for a competitive game. Could be another season which nothing much happens.
5

TimmyH added 22:40 - Jan 19 @bluelady - so what has Mick got out of this game?...Varney, Tabb and Hyam not giving MM selection headaches due to this so what other players could come in to perform as back up? AMN? (largely plays in the 1st team) Pitman? (ditto) - surely Mick couldn't have learnt much about the back 4 tonight which would make him confident about any of them replacing any of our first team defenders. What Micj has got out of these games is that we need QUALITY not some cast off Wolves or Sheff Wednesday players if he really is serious about the league.

1

StowTractorBoy added 22:41 - Jan 19 The problem tonight is that MM left too many regulars out hence the new lads coming in were totally exposed which was unfair on them. There is no reason why Tommy Smith could not have played tonight and no reason why Freddie Sears could not have figured. It is plainly obvious after tonight that our squad in depth is just not good enough and I worry now that we do not have enough in us to make the top six of the Championship. We are crying out for some creativity in the team and we clearly do not have it. If we lose on Saturday at Birmingham and there is a good chance of it, we may as well have played a strong or semi string side tonight. Very disappointed with the stance taken by the Manager and a big well done to the 796 fans who clearly see the F.A. Cup as a competition worth competing in - clearly the Club does not. Can't blame fans for being short changed but good luck Pompey you will need it against Bournemouth.

8

Dissboyitfc added 22:43 - Jan 19 How can any true fan defend that? Had MM took the first game seriously, we may not of even been playing tonight. Such a shame, MM should remember that a club is nothing without the fans and should try to win every game for the fans even if he doesnt care, so disrespectful to those that travelled!
7

Pezzer added 22:44 - Jan 19 Digby, Niles Maitland and Oar looked ok. Youth players looked tired. Emmanuel very iffy, doesn't seem able to focus and concentrate. Bart unlucky with the penalty and made some very good saves one on one.
0

StochesStotasBlewe added 22:45 - Jan 19 Didn,t bother to listen in, kind of knew beforehand what the outcome would be, so not surprised in the slightest, still a tad annoyed though by the apathy shown towards the cups for several seasons now by the club in general. Maybe some of us older fans, who witnessed some fantastic cup matches in the golden years are somewhat sad to see how little value is attached to these fixtures nowadays. I know I am. 3 points at Birmingham will temper this disappointment to some extent, but, a good cup run would have been lovely. RIP the FA cup.

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