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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END OF CUP ROAD FOR EFL BATTLERS
EFL interest in this season’s Carabao Cup came to an end in midweek, but it certainly wasn’t for the want of trying.
GOALS GALORE IN THE TROPHY
THE goals flew in from all angles as the Bristol Street Motors Trophy revved into action again in midweek.
KEEPER GAFFE SINKS TOWN
HUDDERSFIELD boss Michael Duff questioned his players’ mentality after goalkeeper Chris Maxwell’s bloomer handed NonLeague Tamworth a shock win.
ACE SLEW & WILLIAMS SEE OFF REBELS...
DECISIVE goals at either end of the game from Jordan Slew and Rhys Williams helped League Two Morecambe avoid a potential banana skin against National League South outfit Worthing.
MATT'S MEN JUST HAVE ENOUGH GAS
HONEST Bristol Rovers boss Matt Taylor has acknowledged his side were pushed all the way in their tie against Weston-super-Mare.
'WHITES' ARRAY OF FIREPOWER WILL GIVE THEM THE EDGE OVER RIVALS'
GARY Rowett says Leeds’ glittering arsenal of attacking stars will bring the Championship title to Elland Road.
POMPEY'S GAME OF TWO HALVES
Murphy's in to deny the Tigers
SET-PLAY PREP PAYING OFF FOR PELACH
NARCIS Pelach admitted Stoke have been working tirelessly on set-pieces since his arrival – and he was pleased the hard work paid dividends with the winner against Derby.
Robins lays marker to his Sky Blues
MARK Robins has challenged his Coventry City players to go on a Championship charge after the Sky Blues ended their wait for success on their travels with resounding victory against ten-man Boro.
JUST FAB FOUR BAYO IS UNSTOPPABLE
FOUR second-half goals in an incredible display from Vakoun Bayo powered Watford to a resounding victory at Hillsborough.
