Notebook – Spurs vs Portsmouth

Our 2022/23 FA Cup journey begins this lunchtime as we host Portsmouth in the third round at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (kick-off 12.30pm).

Here’s all of the game’s key points of note.

1 - Our third round record

The FA Cup is a competition we have a rich history in. Having entered the competition 117 times to date, we have gone all the way on eight occasions and still hold the record as the only non-league club to have ever lifted the famous old cup having done so in 1901.

In terms of the third round, we have played 140 ties at this stage and have lost just 31 of those – and have tasted just one defeat at this stage in the last 16 seasons. Meanwhile, when we have been drawn at home in this round, we haven’t lost since January, 1990, when Southampton ran out 3-1 winners. The last time we fell to lower league opposition in the competition was back in January, 2013, in a fourth round tie with then-Championship side Leeds. We haven’t lost an FA Cup game to a third-tier side for 35 years, having been edged 2-1 by Port Vale in January, 1988.

2 - A rare meeting with Pompey

We might have a storied history against Portsmouth, but this afternoon’s meeting is quite a rarity. While we have faced the south coast side on 81 occasions since our formation, today’s tie is the first time we have taken them on in almost 13 years.

3 - Our last meeting

That last meeting, 13 years ago, also came in the FA Cup, but it was sadly a disappointing afternoon for us. Taking on Portsmouth in the semi-finals of the competition at Wembley in April, 2010, we fell 2-0 to them following two extra-time strikes.

4 - Our record vs Pompey

Despite that defeat, we have a rather even record when it comes to facing Portsmouth. Having faced them 81 times to date, we have won 27 with Pompey winning 28, while there has been 26 draws.

5 - A good run against Pompey

It might have been an even run between us and Portsmouth across our histories but, in recent years, we have been the dominant force in this fixture. Of our last 12 meetings, we have lost just twice, winning eight and drawing the other two. At home, we haven’t lost at home to Portsmouth since April, 1988.

6 - Portsmouth’s FA Cup run

Today’s game will be Pompey’s third FA Cup game this season. Entering the competition in the first round, they defeated non-league Hereford to progress to round two where they defeated MK Dons 3-2 to set-up a third-round tie with us.

7 - Pompey’s form

Despite a bright start to the season, Portsmouth have largely struggled this campaign. Having begun the term nine games unbeaten, they have since won just one of their last 13 games. They come into this game without a win in nine having last picked up three points in October.