Portsmouth announce signing of Exeter and ex-Reading keeper Lewis Ward

The 23-year-old arrives on loan for the rest of the season as cover for first-choice Craig MacGillivray.

With Alex Bass’ calf injury taking longer than anticipated to heal and Duncan Turnbull’s lack of senior experience, the Blues have turned to Ward.

He has featured 10 times for the League Two Grecians this season, with 33 appearances overall.

Ward was part of the Exeter side which lost 3-2 at Fratton Park in the dramatic Leasing.com Trophy semi-final in February 2020.

Memorably, Cameron McGeehan and John Marquis scored in stoppage time to book a final spot against Salford, although that match has still to be played.

The former Reading man has also been out on loan to Aldershot, Northampton and Forest Green in his career.

In addition, he previously had a loan spell with Pompey’s Academy side in the 2012-13 campaign.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

Our aim is to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative Pompey coverage 365 days a year.

We’ve launched a new transfer window special offer for readers to get 20% off our subscription package.

Use the promo code TRANSFER20 to sign up here.