Boss Kieran McKenna is expecting a hostile reception and Portsmouth to give the Blues a “physically imposing game” at Fratton Park on Thursday evening.
Portsmouth boss Danny Cowley believes tonight’s Papa Johns Trophy round of 32 game against the Blues at Portman Road was the toughest tie they could have drawn at this stage of the competition.
Marcus Harness gave the Blues the lead against his old club but Colby Bishop levelled from the penalty spot to leave the half-time scoreline 1-1 between Town and Portsmouth at Portman Road.
Goals from Marcus Harness, Freddie Ladapo and Wes Burns saw Town to a dramatic 3-2 victory over previously unbeaten Portsmouth, who had twice levelled from the penalty spot, at Portman Road. Harness netted against his old club on 25 but Colby Bishop converted the first of two spot-kicks for Pompey seven minutes later. In the second half the game was settled after three goals in seven minutes, sub Ladapo put the Blues back in front in the 74th minute with his first touch but Bishop again equalised from the spot on 79, however, straight from the kick-off Town, who remain second in the table, won it through Burns.