Match Report | Cardiff City 0-3 Portsmouth
Cardiff City were defeated 3-0 by Portsmouth in the First Round of the Carabao Cup at Cardiff City Stadium.
Second-half strikes from Joe Piggott, Ronan Curtis and Colby Bishop were enough to see the League One side secure passage into the next round of the competition.
Boss Steve Morison made ten changes to the side that started against Reading at the weekend, with centre-back Curtis Nelson the only player remaining in the starting XI. Elsewhere in the squad, Rubin Colwill returned to the City fold after injury and was introduced as a second-half substitute.
City began the early proceeding on the front foot, with Ollie Tanner carving out an early opportunity after just two minutes. The winger darted forward and hit a right-footed strike which forced Josh Griffiths into making a save.
At the other end, Pompey had a good chance of their own. Jak Alnwick making a smart save to deny Pigott an early goal.
As the first half went on Morison’s side searched for an opener and thought they found that on 11 minutes. A teasing cross from Vontae Campbell was turned in by the on-running Mark Harris, but the goal was chalked off for offside.
Shortly before the break, City had a golden opportunity to take the lead. A swift counter from Jaden Philogene teed-up Gavin Whyte, who saw his effort cleared off the line by the well-positioned Sean Raggett.
The second half began with neither side producing clear cut chances. In a bid to change things offensively, Morison introduced Sheyi Ojo and Rubin Colwill to the attack on 52 minutes.
However, it was Pompey who struck first in the tie just six minutes later. Curtis drove towards the City box before finding Pigott, who buried a right-footed strike beyond Alnwick to give Pompey the lead.
As Pompey searched for a second, they were awarded a penalty shortly after. Nelson was penalised for bringing down substitute Bishop inside the box after a dangerous corner. From the spot, Curtis found the back of the net to double Pompey’s advantage.
Soon after with 72 minutes on the clock, it was three for the away side. Michael Jacobs whipped in an inch-perfect ball which was met by Bishop at the back post, who guided his header beyond Alnwick.
Morison responded with the introduction of new signing Kion Etete, though City were unable to find a way past the Portsmouth defence in the final stages.
Just before the final whistle City were reduced to ten men. Campbell dismissed by referee Lee Swabey after a late challenge on Joe Rafferty.
A tough evening for the Bluebirds in cup action - with City's attentions swiftly turning back towards the league, and the visit of Birmingham City to the Welsh capital this Saturday.
FINAL SCORE: CARDIFF CITY 0-3 PORTSMOUTH
Cardiff City: Alnwick, Campbell, Denham, Nelson, Bagan; King, Ralls (c), Tanner (R.Colwill 52), Whyte (Ojo 52), Philogene (Etete 72), Harris (Semenyo 90+1). Subs not used: Allsop, McGuinness, Wintle, J.Colwill, Watters.
Portsmouth: Griffiths, Swanson, Mnoga, Raggett (c) (Morrison 46), Rafferty, Dale (Hackett 63), Mingi, Pack (Lowery 46), Curtis; Pigott (Jacobs 64), Scarlett (Bishop 62). Subs not used: Oluwayemi, Freeman, Thompson, Jewitt-White.
