Pompey celebrated their Checkatrade Trophy final success against Sunderland in 2019.Pompey celebrated their Checkatrade Trophy final success against Sunderland in 2019.
Pompey celebrated their Checkatrade Trophy final success against Sunderland in 2019.

1037 days unbeaten and 17 games without loss - Portsmouth's remarkable EFL Trophy record

The name Charly Musonda – does it ring any bells for anyone?

If not, let us help. He’s the Chelsea player who represents the last person to score a winning goal against Pompey in the EFL Trophy.

That was back on January 9, 2018 – some 1037 days ago – with the now on-loan Vitesse Arnhem midfielder actually scoring a double that night as the Blues crashed out of the then Checkatrade Trophy 2-1.

Since then, though, Kenny Jackett’s side have failed to taste defeat in a competition often maligned by supporters.

A total of 17 games have been played – including the 2019 penalty shoot-out win against Sunderland at Wembley – and not once have Pompey tasted defeat.

In that time they’ve scored 48 goals – which includes 10 goals in two penalty shoot-outs – and conceded 21, including the four penalties conceded against Oxford United back in October 2018.

They’ve also set up another final appearance against Salford, although we all know how coronavirus has impacted upon it being played,

It’s a fantastic record, you’ll no doubt agree. But, of course, it’s continuance will be tested tonight when West Ham’s under-21s come to Fratton Park for the Blues’ latest challenge in the competition.

So before they arrive with the potential end a fantastic run of results, let’s look back on two past 17 matches and relive the glory.

Since then, though, Kenny Jackett’s side have failed to taste defeat in a competition often maligned by supporters.

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