It looked as though a shock could be on the cards in the second round tie when Michael Harriman put the League, Two visitors, ahead on 12 minutes, finishing off a flowing Cobblers move.
However, Kenny Jackett’s men were back on terms through Leon Maloney’s header six minutes before the break and claimed victory in the second half thanks to Marcus Harness’ stunning volley just after the hour mark.
“Northampton started better than us,” admitted boss Jackett. “We looked a bit hesitant, rusty and nervous – the first 20 minutes belonged to them and they deservedly took the lead.
“It seemed like it was going to be a long night for us, but credit to our players for digging deep and sticking at it. We were dominant after the break and really should have put the game to bed by scoring a few more.”
In the last 16, Portsmouth face another League Two side, Walsall, though this time they will be away from home.
Not many would have fancied Walsall to get through when they trailed Chelsea U21s 2-0 after just ten minutes, Tariq Lamptey scoring both for the young Blues.
However, the Saddlers stormed back in the second half to delight the home faithful. Caolan Lavery pulled one back from the penalty spot on 52 minutes and it was all-square when Wes McDonald struck with 11 minutes left.
With a penalty shoot-out looming, Dan Scarr notched Walsall’s winner four minutes into stoppage time, netting with a half-volley on the turn.
Denne historien er fra December 8 2019-utgaven av The Football League Paper.
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Denne historien er fra December 8 2019-utgaven av The Football League Paper.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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LUKE BOOSTED BY WALES ACE LIAM
Swans bid to mark new era in style...
MATT'S DELIGHT OVER RECORD
WYCOMBE boss Wanderers Matt Bloomfield hailed his history-makers after victory at Lincoln City.
TON-UP IAN ENJOYS HIS SPECIAL WIN
AN Evatt described his 100th win as Bolton boss as very special, although he needed Aaron Collins' injurytime goal to bring up the three figures.
DONS LACK A CLINICAL EDGE AS SADDLERS GRAB POINTS
NATHAN Lowe's strike inspired promotion-chasing Walsall to victory over AFC Wimbledon at the Cherry Red Records Stadium.
SUB GRIMES IS IN-SPIRED TO HEAD THE WINNER
CAPTAIN Jamie Grimes headed in a late winner for Chesterfield after a game of very few chances appeared destined to remain goalless.`
COBBLERS TEST IN TROPHY FOR POSH
HOLDERS Peterborough United have been drawn against fellow League One side Northampton Town in the Round of 32 of the newly-named Vertu Trophy.
HORNETS REMINDED OF GRAY'S BRILLIANCE
WAYNE Rooney expressed his delight as Plymouth extended their unbeaten league home run to six after Andre Gray's last-gasp leveller.
MARTI DOUBTING JOB AFTER DRAW
Rangers home run continues
BIG MAC'S ON TARGET TO SEE OFF THE TIGERS
LUTON boss Rob Edwards felt it was a very good day at the office as his team turned in a gritty performance to beat Hull.
Rohl confident Owls
DANNY Rohl said getting results is the only thing missing as his Owls were held at home by Cardiff.