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McGurk moves Pompey into FA Cup third-round hat

Pompey are in the third round of the FA Cup for the first time since 2011-12 after beating Accrington Stanley thanks to the same goal hero they had in the first round - Adam McGurk.

The Irishman arrived at the far post to smash home Marc McNulty's cross and it proved the game's only goal.

Pompey might have had more - and in the end might have been made to pay for not taking chances when Accrington applied some late pressure.

But it's Pompey's name which goes into Monday's draw along with the Premier League and Championship clubs and other round-two winners - and some may think it wouldn't be a bad time for a repeat of the draw they were given last time they were in at this stage, Chelsea away.

With Gareth Evans and Matt Clarke back in the starting line-up, Pompey were the first to threaten and McNulty and Michael Doyle both went close as the Blues attacked the Fratton End first.

An incisive move gave Pompey the lead in the 21st minute. Ben Davies, who had another excellent game at right-back, played McNulty through and when his low cross was missed by Kyle Bennett, it fell perfectly for McGurk at the far post to finish emphatically.

McNulty twice went close to doubling the lead as he and McGurk proved a handful for the Accrington defence and the best the visitors could muster before half-time was a Tom Davies effort that found the net, but the top of it.

One 'highlight' of the first half was a Danny Hollands shot that not only went out for a throw-in it almost went out of play further from the goal-line than where he had taken it.

McGurk ought to have repeated his two-goal showing from round one when he was found in the box with the keeper nowhere, but a defender blocked his goalbound shot when he really should have scored.

Stanley did create more openings as the game went on and their best chance came when Terry Gornell's header from close range was stopped by Brian Murphy, who'd had a relatively comfortable afternoon.

The dying stages were disrupted when referee Kevin Johnson hurt an ankle and had to be replaced by assistant Brett Huxtable. They took their time with the change-over and seven minutes were added on - but Pompey held out.

The draw is on Monday, but before the third round is played on the weekend of January 8-11, Pompey have plenty of League Two games to come in which they need to record results like this gritty, hard-fought victory.

Pompey: Murphy; Davies, Webster, Clarke, Stevens; Hollands, Doyle; Evans, McGurk (Stockley 75), Bennett (Burgess 90); McNulty (Chaplin 90). Subs not used: Bass, Haunstrup, Barton, Boco.

Referee: Kevin Johnson (Brett Huxtable 89)

Attendance: 9,258 (158 away fans)

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