FA Cup nightmares are top two in my all-time worst 25 of last 25 years

To mark the 25th anniversary of my November 2000 arrival at The News, last week I listed my top 25 favourite Pompey matches covered.

- by Neil Allen

So now it's time for the worst ones. . .Here is the third and final installment of my Blues nightmares:

Pompey O Salford 0 (2-4 on pens, EFL Trophy Final, March 2021)

The Covid outbreak meant the 2020 Wembley final had to be played a year later than initially scheduled - and behind closed doors.

Had it not been for Craig MacGillivray's goalkeeping masterclass, Kenny Jackett's men wouldn't have even got to penalties, as they were embarrassed by mid-table League Two opposition.

The following day, Jackett was sacked as Pompey manager after three-and-a-half years in the job.

Plymouth 3 Pompey 0 (November 2014)

Positioned 13th in League Two, Pompey were without an away win in six matches when they headed to Home Park for the televised fixture. Manager Andy Awford's solution was to name a central midfield consisting of his son Nick and Jack Whatmough.