Report: FGR 1-3 Portsmouth

Report: FGR 1-3 Portsmouth
Rovers bow out of Carabao Cup

August 9th 2023Sam Yapp

Kusini Yengi’s double knocked Forest Green Rovers out of the Carabao Cup as they lost 3-1 to League One side Portsmouth at the New Lawn on Tuesday.

Harvey Bunker almost had Rovers ahead after seven minutes when he tried his luck from outside the area, but his effort skipped just past the post.

Searle was called into action moments later when Yengi sent a headed effort low but the New Zealand international got down well to keep it out.

Early dominance paid off for Rovers when Tyrese Omotoye’s driven effort from inside the area was too much for Ryan Schofield, squirming underneath him and into the back of the Pompey net on 24 minutes.

But the lead was short lived as six minutes later Jamie Searle missed Anthony Scully’s cross, leaving Yengi with the easy task of bundling the ball over the line.

Rovers started the second period brightest as Dylan Kadji tried his luck from distance only for Schofield to fly across his goal and beat the effort away.

However, Pompey completed the turnaround shortly after half-time when Zak Swanson was slipped through on goal by Abu Kamara before catching out Searle, beating him at his near post.

Yengi grabbed his second and put the game out of reach for Rovers on 74 minutes when he dispatched a penalty high into the top left corner, following Jamie Robson’s foul on Kamara.

Rovers could have sparked a late comeback on 83 minutes, when Omotoye found space in the area to unleash a low effort, but Schofield was there again to keep the hosts out.

David Horseman and his side turn their focus to Saturday as they prepare for their first away trip of the season, travelling to face Harrogate Town in League Two.