PORTSMOUTH FOOTBALL CLUB

Pompey have been drawn away to fellow League One side Ipswich in the first round of the Emirates FA Cup.

The contest will take place behind closed doors at Portman Road on the weekend of November 7-8.

Assistant manager Joe Gallen said: "It's a pretty big tie and one we'll look forward to when the game comes around.

"We didn't get to go there last season because of the lockdown, but Ipswich have started this campaign well and it will be tough.

"Our away record has been very good, however, and so I'm sure we'll approach the match with plenty of confidence.

"It will also be nice to see Oli Hawkins again. He's a player who did well for us and we've got a lot of time for him."

"It's a pretty big tie and one we'll look forward to when the game comes around."

There was a meeting between the sides at the same venue in the third round of the competition back in 2016, when the Blues were in League Two and their opponents competing in the Championship.

Kyle Bennett and Conor Chaplin were on target in Suffolk, but late leveller for the hosts ensured a Fratton Park replay.

And Paul Cook's side did cause an upset back on their own patch, with Gary Roberts and Marc McNulty netting in a 2-1 triumph.

An away win at Ipswich back in 2008 was the start of Pompey's road to Wembley glory, while they also enjoyed a 1-0 cup victory there two years earlier.

Kenny Jackett's men made it all the way to the fifth round last term before losing to eventual champions Arsenal, while Ipswich fell at the second hurdle against Coventry.