Town's reserves ran out 3-1 victors against Portsmouth at Havant and Waterlooville's West Leigh Park on Tuesday night.

Pompey went ahead in the first half through Svet Todorov, before Scott Mitchell, Dean Bowditch - who had had a goal disallowed in the first half - and a Liam Craig penalty deservedly won the points for the Blues in the second.

Chris Bart-Williams ran the show for Town in midfield and is likely to be involved in Joe Royle's squad for Saturday if he came through without any ill effects.

The former Forest midfielder recently had an injection aimed at ending his back problem and it seems to have worked.

The Blues also included Georges Santos, Alun Armstrong and weekend debutant Lewis Price in their side.

Town were allowed to field defender Chris Hogg by special dispensation from the FA. The England U19 international was on a season-long loan with Boston, however, he recently returned to Portman Road.

Normally - and this is the case with Marcus Bent - players who have been on season-long loans are not allowed to return and play for their club during the remainder of the season.

The Blues also gave a reserves debut for promising Irish U16 international midfielder Owen Garvan.

Portsmouth had a number of other well-known names in their side in addition to Todorov. Former Town loanee Mark Burchill was involved as were John Curtis, Richard Hughes and Gary O'Neil.

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