Shootout heartache cannot dampen spirits of 'proud' US Portsmouth under-18s boss Knight at FA Youth Cup run

A magical first stint in the competition for the club came to a heartbreaking end as they were dumped out in a penalty shootout at Didcot Town last night.

The Oxford side edged the third round qualifying tie 5-4 in sudden death of the shootout after it had ended 1-1 in normal time.

There was added devastation for USP's young guns, who missed out on a first round proper date with Pompey Academy at Fratton Park.

Nonetheless, manager Knight was bursting with pride at what turned out to be an unexpected run in the FA Youth Cup.

‘It was such a brilliant performance from the lads,’ said Knight.

‘They were definitely the best team we’ve played by a mile.

‘I’m unbelievably proud of the boys.

‘You come away from it and you’re really chuffed.

‘But you are devastated as well, I’m devastated for them coming so close.

It was a tale of missed penalties that cost USP, with Mark Duggan missing one in the first half before a further two were squandered in the shootout.

Toby Toman's close-range effort after the restart looked as though it had set up that dream tie at Fratton Park.

But Freddie Kennedy's goal a minute from time forced a shootout and USP ultimately came up just short.

And having come so close, Knight was 'gutted' his team could not quite see it through.

‘We’re obviously gutted that we don’t get to pit ourselves against Pompey but it was still a brilliant night to be a part of,' Knight added.

'There were 300 up there watching and it was a brilliant atmosphere.

‘I went to AFC Portchester v United Services in the FA Vase and there was a better atmosphere in our game than there was for that.

'It just went to the lottery of penalties and we came up just short.'