The Wembley showpiece – delayed almost a year amid the coronavirus pandemic – went to a penalty shootout, with the Blues falling to defeat.
Defending their 2018-19 title having beaten Sunderland, Kenny Jackett’s side’s grip on the competition finally came to an end at the hands of the League Two Ammies.
Pompey were under siege for the opening 45 minutes, with Craig MacGillivray making several fine saves.
Jackett’s triple substitution helped get the Blues back into the game after the break, with Ronan Curtis spurning two golden chances.
Salford had two big opportunities of their own, though, with MacGillivray again to the rescue.
Neither side could find a breakthrough in extra-time, either, despite both having opportunities.
Just like Pompey’s triumph two years ago, the showdown was decided by a penalty shootout.
However, this time the Blues were on the losing end with Ryan Williams and Ronan Curtis missing the opening two penalties.
Salford won the shootout 4-2, leaving Pompey deflated at full-time.
Here’s how we rated Jackett’s troops throughout the game...
1. UoP in association with.jpg
This content is brought to you in association with the University of Portsmouth Photo: JPIMedia
2. Craig MacGillivray - 9
The Scot was Pompey’s saviour in the first half. MacGillivray made four big saves to ensure the Blues went into the break level. There were good stops from Brandon Thomas-Asante and James Wilson before he did well to thwart Jordan Turnbull’s effort on the spin. Things didn’t get much quieter for him in the second period, either. He made a brilliant save to thwart Ash Eastham’s header from point-blank range then denied Bruno Andrade late on in normal time. Photo: Joe Pepler
3. James Bolton - 5
Clearly told to stay wide in the first half when Ryan Williams was drifting inside. Put one decent ball into the box while he lost possession which resulted in a Salford chance. Had a tough task of marking Ibou Touray, who was impressive for Salford. Blew a golden crossing opportunity in the second half when white shirts were queuing up in the box and another in stoppage-time. Photo: John Walton
4. Jack Whatmough -
Was forced into a rearguard action in the first half and had to be alert to clear a cross when Craig MacGillivray failed to claim the ball off his line. Played a superb raking, crossfield pass to set Ronan Curtis free immediately in the second period which should have been buried. Then he took the ball of Ash Hunter to deny a clear chance. Also made a robust tackle to thwart the breaking Bruno Andrade in his tracks in extra-time. Photo: Joe Pepler