Portsmouth’s inexperienced side were able to hold Oxford United to a draw in the EFL Trophy, before beating them on penalties.
[freshpress-poll id=”249867″]
Striker Bradley Lethbridge scored his first goal for the club, while teenager Harvey Rew was making his debut shortly after signing his first professional deal.
21-year-old goalkeeper Alex Bass was among the most impressive players of the lot, with the highlight of his game coming when he saved Josh Ruffels’ penalty in the shootout:
in-match saves
penalty saveUnbelievable from @Alexbass137 #Pompey pic.twitter.com/sfkg5XBxuA
— Portsmouth FC (@Pompey) October 8, 2019
As well as the 11 saves Portsmouth quoted, Bass made 1 punch, 2 high claims and 1 clearance, which was enough to see him named Man of the Match by SofaScore with a rating of 8.8.
This type of performance has come at the perfect time for Bass, as with Craig MacGillivray away with the Scotland national team, the young goalkeeper is likely going to be protecting Pompey’s goal against Gillingham on Saturday.
If he is able to perform to a similar level as he did on Tuesday, he may be able to challenge Portsmouth’s main goalkeeper more closely in future.
A selection of Twitter reaction to the performance, including posts from impressed Portsmouth fans, can be seen below:
Shouldn’t get to the point of making 11 saves but fair play
— Dylan Price (@Dilbert0912) October 8, 2019
Quality performance from @Alexbass137 #TopSaves #OneOfOurOwn #Pompey
— Sam Gould (@s_edward93) October 8, 2019
You were great Alex!
— andrew tebb (@tebbography) October 8, 2019
Got a star on our hands
— Natasha Goodchild-Gwyther (@Tashymapants) October 9, 2019
Watch out @macgillivray93 someone is gunning for your place. Well done bassy.
— Simon Hill (@simon_a_hill) October 9, 2019
What a talent
— Jack Hancock (@jackhancock20) October 8, 2019
Portsmouth fans, can Bass challenge MacGillivray for his place? Join the discussion by commenting below…
