The EFL season effectively kicked off today with a round of matches in the Carabao Cup.
Blackpool impressed against higher opposition, drawing 0-0 over 90 minutes with Stoke City, whilst Doncaster led Championship Blackburn 2-1 at one point, only to end up going down 3-2. There was a heavy defeat for Mansfield Town too, but little shame in losing 4-0 to a Championship side.
Portsmouth, on the other hand, progressed after drawing 3-3 with Stevenage, winning on penalties. Despite going through to the next round, there seems to be little pride from their supporters, who saw them field a full-strength side against Stevenage, who only avoided relegation courtesy of the EFL deducting Macclesfield points.
Luke Prosser set up Elliot List for the ninth-minute opener for Stevenage, and just a minute later Charlie Carter made it 2-0. Ronan Curtis pulled one back for the visitors, but Stevenage restored their two-goal advantage on 29 minutes when Scott Cuthbert prodded home. Ben Coker’s handball on the stroke of half-time gave Pompey a penalty which Gareth Evans duly converted.
The only goal of the second half came courtesy of John Marquis, levelling the tie and taking it to spot kicks. Sadly for Stevenage, Craig MacGillivray was in fine form, saving from Danny Newton, Elliot Osbourne and Ben Coker. The 27-year-old only came on at half time after an injury to Alex Bass and certainly staked a claim for the number one jersey going into the new season.
Progress doesn’t always bring praise though, and these Portsmouth fans were not happy at what they perceive to be regression under Kenny Jackett. Whether it is the regular omission of their spot-kick saving keeper, or just regular lament of the manager’s ability, it seems fans are already struggling to feel positive.
Have you tried our Portsmouth quiz?
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The seasons a write off, try and aim too table with a limited squad and sack Jackett at the end of it. What a waste of 4 fucking years.
— 🇬🇧LX (C)SH (@BlueArmyAlex) August 29, 2020
https://twitter.com/BTabbs7922/status/1299741265798541321
Kenny saved by the keeper he dropped for no reason. Has to start next game. Kenny Out.
— luke (@ffslluke) August 29, 2020
Good win after being annihilated in the 1st half. Perhaps we should focus on the positives as opposed to constantly being negative. Get behind the team FFS.
— Barry Grant (@bobafetbaz) August 29, 2020
https://twitter.com/JeremyKwee/status/1299739660500033538
Result is nothing! It’s what happened during the game that shows all that needs to be known! Let in 3 GOALS! against one of the worst teams in national league football. Second would be embarrassing at parks level! #JACKETOUTT
— Cynical Soul (@TheCynicalSoul) August 29, 2020
Love the progress, gone from being a near championship level team to nearly losing to a team that should be playing in the conference. #JackettOut #Pompey
— Will (@WillHughes_) August 29, 2020
Better 2nd half but the first was unacceptable
— Sean Derwin (C) (@IndianaDerman) August 29, 2020
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