US Portsmouth boss: It’s a ‘blessing’ missing out on the FA Cup

George Root was among the scorers as US Portsmouth started their pre-season friendlies with a 6-1 drubbing of Liss at Moneyfields. Picture: Duncan Shepherd

USP are not one of the lucky step 6 clubs chosen at random to compete in next season’s competition.

Usually, teams qualify on a points-per-game basis calculated from their league position the previous season.

But due to the fact all leagues in England were null and void below step 3 level last term, teams applied to take part in 2020/21 and kept their fingers crossed.

But just as US were getting over the fact they missed out on the Wessex League Division One title last season, they were then dealt a further blow by the governing body.

Yet Turnbull was not totally downbeat by the latest bad news.

‘We applied and every other year it’s done on points per game; clearly we were one of the best candidates for that at step 6 after last season,' said the USP boss.

‘But because last season never happened, it was done on a drawn basis.

‘It’s a strange thing to say because I’m really annoyed about it, but it’s a blessing not being in the FA Cup.

‘If we had been drawn at home, I had agreed with Moneyfields to use the main pitch.

‘But we would have had to pay for it.'

Turnbull has thanked Moneys for their support while HMS Temeraire is closed by the Navy due to the pandemic.

As well as training at Dover Road, US also beat Hampshire Premier Leaguers Liss 6-1 in their opening pre-season friendly there last weekend.

And they will take on Baffins Milton Rovers at the same venue this Saturday.

'Moneyfields have been absolutely exceptional to us,' added Turnbull.

‘They’ve let us use their back pitch for training.

‘We’re fitting around their men’s, ladies and reserve teams.

'We’re grateful for the support we’ve received.'

Dan Sibley (2), James Franklyn, Jay Ripiner, George Root and an own goal made up US’ tally against Liss.