Pompey and the FA Cup have gone from the ultimate high of 2008 to some new lows in recent season.

There was Aldershot, of course, four seasons ago, not to mention more first round exits than most Blues fans wish to think about since they slipped into the bottom two divisions in 2012.

Only once since Pompey reached their second final in three seasons in 2010 have Pompey had a run in the competition - in 15-16 when they got through three rounds before bowing out at home to Bournemouth.

So will 18-19 bring another decent attempt to progress to a reasonable stage in the best cup competition going? Hurdle one looks like one that Pompey should be able to clear - but it also brings with it the threat of maximum embarrassment.

In Maidenhead, Pompey have hosts who are not only playing two divisions below them, they have hosts who are playing two divisions below them quite badly.

Maidenhead's past six league games have resulted in six defeats, only one goal scored, with 20 conceded - seven of them at West Leigh Park just under a fortnight ago.

Progress in the FA Cup has been their only saving grace of late and given their form, they will probably see this as a free hit - a day when no-one, not event many of their own fans, will expect them to do anything other than lose. How many times have such scenarios ended in surprise outcomes? Especially in the FA Cup.

It's Pompey's job to be professional and make sure there is no early exit and Kenny Jackett says they are well aware of what could be an awkward test.

He told The News: ‘It's a terrific competition and it’s one we want to do well in. There are many advantages to it. It’s a good experience for the players, exciting for the supporters winning in the Cup and then the anticipation of who you can draw and how far you can go.

‘Also the overall picture of potential finance for the club, which can impact on our season and seasons ahead. There are many reasons why we want to do well in this competition.

‘To do that we have to come through very difficult and tricky ties like this. It will be the same this weekend. I always take it seriously, we'll be doing everything we can to prepare.

‘We'll prepare as we would for a league game and, if possible, we can settle the side down and get into a rhythm. ‘We want to continue our good form.’

Jackett is without injured duo Dion Donohue and Joe Mason but Nathan Thompson is back in contention after a one-match ban.

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