Pompey drop out of play-offs as Ipswich beat Plymouth - but Charlton, Oxford and Accrington all slip up

But on a day that could have seen the Blues fall to as low as 10th in the table – they have only dropped one place to seventh, with Ipswich the only one of the four teams that could have overtaken them picking up maximum points.

While Pompey lost to Salford City on penalties in the Papa John’s Trophy final, the third-tier carried on as normal, with the Tractor Boys, Charlton, Oxford and Accrington all in action – and all capable of making the most of the Blues’ Wembley distraction.

Yet, only Ipswich made them pay, with Paul Cook’s side running out 1-0 winners against Plymouth – his first win in the Portman Road hot seat.

They now sit sixth in the table – two points clear of Pompey on the same number of games played.

The two go head-to-head at Fratton Park next Saturday.

Charlton, who have played two games more than the Blues, could also have moved two points clear of Kenny Jackett’s side.

However, they could only draw at home to Steve Cotterill’s Shrewsbury, with Conor Washington rescuing a point for the hosts.

Oxford were 2-0 losers away to league leaders Hull, ensuring they stay two points below Pompey in the table in ninth.

Meanwhile, Matt O’Riley scored an injury-time winner for MK Dons as they beat Accrington 3-2.

The defeat leaves Accy in 10th place.

Other results of interest: Blackpool 0-0 Fleetwood, Doncaster 0-0 Northampton, Swindon 1-3 Gillingham.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

On Saturday, March 13 Pompey will finally get their day at Wembley.

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