Close scores spectacular volley as Portsmouth beat Birmingham

Ben Close scored an early contender for Carabao Cup goal of the season as Sky Bet League One Portsmouth humbled Championship Birmingham 3-0 at Fratton Park. Close’s thumping volley and a home debut double from summer recruit Ellis Harrison helped Kenny Jackett’s men advance to round two for the first time in four years. Midfielder Close rifled past goalkeeper David Stockdale from 22 yards five minutes before half-time after Ronan Curtis’ cross had been deflected into his path. Pompey had earlier taken the lead when Harrison’s close-range header had been adjudged to have crossed the line before Wes Harding cleared the ball onto his own crossbar. Harrison grabbed his second and Pompey’s third nine minutes into the second half as Birmingham paid the price for making nine changes from their opening day win at Brentford. Curtis picked out the former Ipswich striker at the far post and Harrison nodded the ball back across goal and into the far corner. Harrison would have been celebrating a hat-trick but for a smart save from Stockdale to keep out his close-range shot. The only bright note for Birmingham fans was seeing 16-year-old Jude Bellingham break Trevor Francis’ record as the club’s youngest ever player. Topics Birmingham, Portsmouth, League Cup, Birmingham, Portsmouth League Cup Preview: Stoke v Portsmouth League Cup: Stoke 3 Portsmouth 0 League Cup Preview: Birmingham v Sunderland League Cup: Birmingham 0 Sunderland 3 Wayne Rooney believes he still has plenty to offer on the pitch ahead of Derby move Southampton assistant Rohl departs for Bayern Munich Former Rangers midfielder Liam Burt signs for Celtic Millar at the double in Linfield victory Celtic boss Lennon dismisses Cluj ‘miracle’ claims PSG have offered Neymar to Manchester United – and here’s what they want Ranked! The 9 best signings in the Premier League this summer 5 players Liverpool should offload before the transfer window closes Essential Fantasy Premier League tips 8 big transfers that fell through at the last minute