Paul Downing restricted to reserve duty against Doncaster during Portsmouth's victory over Scunthorpe

Paul Downing featured for Pompey reserves in their 4-2 defeat to Doncaster on Tuesday night.
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Jack Whatmough made his injury return alongside Sean Raggett in central defence, while Christian Burgess was on the bench.

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It was the third successive squad Downing was omitted from, meaning he was on Premier League Cup duty at Westleigh Park.

The former Blackburn defender and Adam May – following his return from his loan spell at Swindon – were the only senior players as the Blues fell to a 4-2 loss.

Pompey found themselves 3-0 behind at half-time, with Danny Amos, Rian McLean and Myron Gibbons on target for Donny.

A triallist increased the visitors’ advantage in the second half.

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The Blues did try to find a way back into the game, with Haji Mnoga reducing the deficit in the 64th minute.

Paul Downing. Picture: Nigel KeenePaul Downing. Picture: Nigel Keene
Paul Downing. Picture: Nigel Keene

Then Leon Maloney added a second with 14 minutes remaining, but they proved nothing but consolation goals.

The loss means Pompey are unable to qualify from Group D, having collected one point from four games.

They next travel to Exeter on Tuesday, February 4 (7pm) before bringing the curtain down on their campaign against Aston Villa at Westleigh Park on Tuesday, February 18 (7pm).

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