Boss looking forward to Northampton clash
Pompey impressed in their Johnstone’s Paint Trophy opener last month.
Three impressive strikes saw League One Yeovil brushed aside on their own patch with relative ease.
Chris Wilder’s Northampton are the second round opponents at Fratton Park on Tuesday night.
And Andy Awford insists that Pompey will be taking the tie seriously as they try to move one step closer to March’s Wembley final.
The Blues boss said: “It’s great to be at home again after two long away trips.
“We were excellent away at Yeovil in the last round and have been rewarded with a Fratton tie this time around.
“The sponsors gave us the Team of the Round award and it was a comfortable evening for us in the end.
“Hopefully it will be the same on Tuesday, but it’ll no doubt be a difficult test against a decent Northampton side.
“The competition’s fantastic and the final being at Wembley should be a motivation for everybody.
“The league’s your bread and butter and it has to be our priority, but you get a release from that in cup competitions and I’m looking forward to the tie.
“We go out to win every game and this one will be no different, even though there will be some changes.”
Jed Wallace and Craig Westcarr were on target when Pompey beat Northampton 2-0 at Fratton Park in the league in August.
Awford said: “I’m sure both teams will make changes and it won’t be the same sides that were out there in August.
“But I watched back that victory and if we can produce a similar performance then we’re in with a good shout.”
Michael Drennan (calf) and Jack Whatmough (hamstring) will miss the match after picking up knocks at York on Saturday.
Pompey are 21/20 with Sky Bet to beat Northampton. Open an account at www.skybet.com/pompey to help Pompey win £250,000 with the Sky Bet transfer fund.
Pompey are 21/20 with Sky Bet to beat Northampton. Open an account at www.skybet.com/pompey to help Pompey win £250,000 with the Sky Bet transfer fund.