Congratulations to HM NB Portsmouth who beat Network Rail 3 – 1 on penalties to retain the USFL League Cup

Pompey got out of the station quick scoring 2 early goals to shock Rail and although the game settled down Pompey took a 2 nil lead into half time although it could probable should have been 3 but clear on gaol the shot was fired wide.

As expected after the break Rail came out all trains rolling and quickly got 1 back, 2 - 1

Following a 2nd yellow, Pompey were down to 10 men and it was looking ominous as Rail got their equaliser following good pressure. But despite being down to 10 Pompey should have won the game in normal time however, they missed the open gaol in the dying seconds with the shot spooning over the bar when it look easier to score.
Full-time 2 - 2

Extra time and Pompey were looking tired but keeping their shape and still managing to create opportunities; they were then awarded a penalty and took an unexpected 3 – 2 lead.

Rail kept their heads and kept rolling forward and it looked like they would move on to win the game when they equalised shortly after the penalty and in the 2nd period of extra time Rail took the lead.

However, with typical Naval endeavour and following a goal mouth scramble Pompey equalised and it was 4 – 4 at the final whistle.

So to penalties, Pompey Keeper made a great save of Rail’s 1st putting them in a strong position but Rail’s keeper match the save 0 – 0 after the 1st

Rail’s next was unstoppable but so was Pompey’s 1 – 1 after the 2nd.

Then it swung Pompey’s way with Rail missing their 3rd & Pompey scoring with Rail missing their 4th Pompey only need to score to take the Cup which they calmly slotted in.

HM NB Portsmouth 4 (3) – 4 (1) Network Rail

Many thanks to our match officials & Temeraire Ground staff for making the final possible.