An away day special in the opening round of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy has earned Portsmouth an early-season award.
Pompey were 3-1 winners at Yeovil Town and that impressive performance in Somerset secured Andy Awford’s side the Team of the Round prize.It was an impressive display from the League 2 outfit, against opponents who ply their trade in Sky Bet League 1.
A second-half double from Jed Wallace put Portsmouth in control before Craig Westcarr added a third for the visitors.
Nathan Ralph grabbed a late consolation for the visitors but that couldn’t deny Portsmouth clinching what has proved an award-winning victory.
As well as winning a trophy, Portsmouth will also receive a prize of Johnstone’s Paint product to use on a club project. This will follow hot on the heels of Johnstone’s playing a major part in helping restore Fratton Park to its former glory as part of a major refurbishment.
Portsmouth manager Awford said: “We were delighted to get the victory at Yeovil and for it to lead to us winning the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy Team of the Round award is a real bonus.
“It was a really good team performance on the night and hopefully it will prove the start of a long run in the competition.”
Ben Wilde, brand and sponsorship manager for Johnstone’s Paint, said: “It was a very tough decision because there were some excellent first round performances, including Leyton Orient and Scunthorpe beating last year’s finalists Peterborough and Chesterfield.
“But Portsmouth went to a team from a division higher and produced a very eye-catching display and result and that tipped the balance in the favour of Pompey.”
Portsmouth’s reward for their first round victory is a second round home tie with Northampton Town on Tuesday.
Johnstone’s Paint is now in its ninth season of bringing colour to the beautiful game through its sponsorship of the Football League Trophy.