Exciting attacking prospect to spearhead Portsmouth bid for cup glory
The emerging talent scored 14 goals for Moneyfields during a productive loan spell earlier in the season
The Fratton faithful have the opportunity to gauge a rapidly-rising Pompey talent at Westleigh Park tonight.
The highly-regarded Tayo Singerr has enjoyed an impressive campaign, culminating in being handed professional forms last month.
With a debut Blues goal against Reading in the Carabao Cup, a prolific loan spell at Moneyfields, and his Football League bow on New Year’s Day, it has been an eye-catching season to date for the second-year scholar.
Now the promising Singerr will lead Pompey’s attack in their Portsmouth Senior Cup quarter-final clash with a rejuvenated Hawks.
It will be Sam Hudson’s under-18s side on display this evening (7.45pm), rather than first-team representatives, in a match identified as a chance to aid their development.
Pompey’s 21st man at Preston
In addition to Singerr, who was with John Mousinho’s first-team squad at Preston on Saturday as 21st man, defender Ashton Sizer is also likely to be involved.
While Brandon Downey, a Northern Ireland under-19 international recruited from Crusaders in August, is expected to feature, having scored four goals in 11 appearances this term.
They will face a Hawks side whose fortunes have been brilliantly transformed since Aaron Martin’s appointment as manager in November.
Replacing former Pompey coach and physio Shaun North, the ex-Southampton defender has steered them away from the relegation zone and into ninth position in the Southern League Premier South.
Former Blues left-back Harvey Laidlaw, the grandson of promotion-winning captain Joe, has been central to that as he continues to flourish after his Fratton Park release.
Although it remains to be seen whether Hawks loanee Reuben Swann is allowed to face his parent club in the Portsmouth Senior Cup tonight.
Swann, who arrived at Westleigh Park in December alongside Harry Clout, was named as man of the match in Saturday’s goalless draw with Basingstoke.
That represented a third game without a win for Martin's men, who are these days eyeing the play-off spots rather than being concerned over scrambling clear of relegation.
Progression after beating the Royal Navy
Pompey’s under-18s have progressed to the quarter-finals after beating the Royal Navy 4-0 in the previous round.
Earlier this season, the Academy travelled to Romsey Town in the Hampshire Senior Cup, where they lost 7-6 on penalties to the Wessex League Division One side after the clash finished goalless.
That September fixture also hit the headlines when home supporters stole John Westwood’s iconic wig ahead of the forthcoming south-coast derby.
However, it was anonymously returned to the Petersfield Book Shop owner two days later, after the prank drew an adverse reaction.
Pricing for tonight’s match, which kicks off at 7.45pm, is £5 for adults, £5 for concessions and free for under-16s.