Fans force Portsmouth into action with incredible show of support ahead of Reading tie
Portsmouth are preparing for their first home game of the new season on Tuesday when Reading visit for a Carabao Cup first-round tie.
Pompey fans are likely to be buzzing for the match after a long summer without competitive football at Fratton Park.
There’s a lot of optimism surrounding the new season following Portsmouth’s impressive transfer business and Saturday’s 1-0 victory against Oxford United.
That excitement has been reflected in the ticket sales for this game.
Portsmouth open Milton End after high demand for tickets to watch Reading match
More than 13,100 tickets have been sold for this cup tie so far.
This high demand has led Portsmouth to open part of the Milton End to home fans for this match.
While the early rounds of the Carabao Cup have often struggled to capture the imagination of fans in recent years, that doesn’t appear to be the case for this match.
John Mousinho has pledged to field a “very strong” side for this match to reward the home fans’ loyalty.
Mark Kosznovszky and Luke Le Roux are also expected to make their competitive debuts in this game.
Portsmouth beat Reading 4-0 in a pre-season friendly around three weeks ago, although that won’t count for anything once the whistle blows at Fratton Park.
Supporters will be excited to see new signings in competitive action
Portsmouth fans had their first opportunity to watch their new signings play at Fratton Park when PEC Zwolle visited for a pre-season friendly.
Pompey won that game 1-0 thanks to a late Thomas Waddingham goal at the Fratton End.
But a cup tie under the floodlights just hits different.
Supporters will be excited to see Adrian Segecic’s deft footwork in the flesh if he is chosen to feature in this game.
Many will also be interested to see Le Roux and Kosznovszky fare against a hard-working Reading midfield featuring former target Charlie Savage.
Portsmouth spent a fair amount of money on these two, although the exact fees were undisclosed. There will therefore be a bit of pressure on the pair to prove they can keep up with the pace of the English game.
Tickets are still available from £14 for adults and as low as £2 for children under 11.
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