Bolton Wanderers vs Portsmouth on 10 Jan 23 - Match CentrePompey exited the Papa Johns Trophy at the quarter-final stage after slipping to a narrow defeat at Bolton. Jón Dadi Bödvarsson netted the only goal of the game in the first half to halt the Blues’ hopes of another Wembley outing. The Blues saw plenty of the ball in and around their opponents’ box, but did not do enough to really threaten an equaliser.
How to follow the action The best place to follow the action is our matchday blog, featuring build-up and live updates from the ground. The game is also being broadcast live on iFollow and supporters can purchase a match pass for a £10 fee. Bolton FM and BBC Radio Manchester will also be providing commentary as Wanderers aim to book their place in the last four. Will highlights be available? Highlights will be available both on iFollow and the club’s YouTube channel after the game. However, there is no Papa Johns Trophy highlights show scheduled at the time of writing.
Pompey won a series of free-kicks as the half drew to a conclusion, but none of them caused the hosts much alarm. And they might have fallen further behind just before the break, with Sean Raggett flinging himself in the path of Owen Beck’s strike to divert the ball over the bar. Half Time: Bolton 1 Pompey 0 The visitors looked to show some fight when the action restarted, as Curtis and Scarlett both used their strength to win possession in dangerous areas. Clear-cut chances were still proving difficult to come by for the Blues, however, despite seeing a lot of the ball. Pigott did meet a low centre from Koroma to get a shot away, but the ball flew straight towards a grateful Trafford.
Simon Bassey made five changes from the side narrowly beaten at Tottenham in the FA Cup at the weekend. Marlon Pack’s was recalled as the midfielder’s suspension does not apply to games in the Papa Johns Trophy. There were also returns for Dane Scarlett, Joe Pigott, Josh Koroma and Ronan Curtis in the forward positions. Ryan Tunnicliffe, Reeco Hackett and Colby Bishop all dropped to the bench, while Michael Morrison and Owen Dale missed out completely. Pompey arguably had the better of the overall play during the first half and yet they were unable to properly test James Trafford between the sticks.
How to follow all the action of Wanderers' clash with PortsmouthWanderers could take another step closer to Wembley when they take on League One rivals Portsmouth in the Papa Johns Trophy quarter-final. Ian Evatt’s men enter the game on the back of a goalless draw against league leaders Plymouth at the weekend. The Whites reached this stage following a 4-0 victory against Manchester United Under-21s after goals from Dapo Afolayan, Aaron Morley, Amadou Bakayoko and Conor Bradley. Meanwhile, Portsmouth overcame Stevenage in the previous round following a comfortable 3-0 victory at Fratton Park. Jay Mingi, Josh Koroma and Joe Pigott were all on target that night.
The keeper made a comfortable save from Koroma’s long-range effort after Ronan Curtis had seen a shot blocked. But it was the home side who broke the deadlock on 17 minutes after breaking up the pitch from a Blues throw. Zak Swanson’s attempted clearance was intercepted by Dion Charles and he sent Bödvarsson racing clean through to find the net. There was lots of bright play in the centre of the pitch from the visitors, with Pack and Joe Morrell both looking bright. But the action was quickly halted in the final third, while Swanson had to dive in to block Elias Kachunga’s attempt at the other end.
iFollow BWFC - Bolton Wanderers With live video streaming of matches, audio match commentary, Bolton Wanderers v Portsmouth - Extended highlights - Tue 10th January