The Wembley showpiece – delayed almost a year amid the coronavirus pandemic – went to a penalty shootout, with the Blues falling to defeat.
Defending their 2018-19 title having beaten Sunderland, Kenny Jackett’s side’s grip on the competition finally came to an end at the hands of the League Two Ammies.
Pompey were under siege for the opening 45 minutes, with Craig MacGillivray making several fine saves.
Jackett’s triple substitution helped get the Blues back into the game after the break, with Ronan Curtis spurning two golden chances.
Salford had two big opportunities of their own, though, with MacGillivray again to the rescue.
Neither side could find a breakthrough in extra-time, either, despite both having opportunities.
Just like Pompey’s triumph two years ago, the showdown was decided by a penalty shootout.
However, this time the Blues were on the losing end with Ryan Williams and Ronan Curtis missing the opening two penalties.
Salford won the shootout 4-2, leaving Pompey deflated at full-time.
Here’s how we rated Jackett’s troops throughout the game...
9. Harvey White (replaced by Ronan Curtis 46 mins) - 5
Played one lovely pass that Ryan Williams couldn’t quite get hold of when in on goal. However, apart from that, the Spurs loanee didn’t have much more of an influence. Photo: Bryn Lennon
10. Jordy Hiwula (replaced by Marcus Harness 46 mins) - 4
Fans have long clamoured form the striker to start a game of importance. However, Hiwula struggled to take his chance. In fairness, he fed off scraps for the majority but was caught offside on too many occasions. A poor chest down for George Byers summed up his afternoon. Photo: Joe Pepler
11. John Marquis (replaced by Michael Jacobs 106 mins) - 5
Battled in the first half up top but had little joy and there were several heavy touches which let him down. Looked better in the second period when he had more flair players around him. A couple of through balls helped Pompey out attacking-wise but he squandered a big chance in extra-time. Photo: Joe Pepler
12. Ronan Curtis (replaced Harvey White 46 mins) - 6
Spurned two huge chances after coming on. The Irishman missed a gilt-edged chance when Jack Whatmough’s brilliant vision played him in only seconds after the restart. Then he got his acrobatic effort completely wrong with John Marquis free across goal. Still gave Pompey more from the left than Harvey White. Photo: Joe Pepler