by Neil Weld
Pompey made a fine start to their Premier Academy League season with a 2-1 win at Manchester United.
The Blues opened the scoring midway through the first half when George COLSON drilled a shot past Red Devils keeper Liam Jacob.
At the other end Matt Gledhill had to be alert to deny Mats Daehli and Jack Barmby, while Tom Lawrence had a goal disallowed for a push after the interval.
But Pompey doubled their advantage on 68 minutes as Alex GRANT (pictured) beat Jacob to an Andy Higgins’ free-kick sent into the area.
The visitors had chances to extend their lead further with Adam Webster having a header saved by Jacob and Ashley Harris seeing a goal ruled out for offside.
Lawrence reduced United’s deficit late on but Pompey held firm to collect three points on the opening day.
Academy manager Andy Awford said: “It’s a great result – I’m chuffed for all the lads and for the staff.
“It was a little bit daunting when the fixtures came out and we saw we had to go to Manchester United for the first game, but we played well and deserved the win.
“We had to defend for long periods of the game because, as you would expect, they have very good players and they had lots of possession.
“But we kept our shape and discipline, remained focused and defended manfully throughout the game.
“It was a good finish from George to open the scoring from midfield. It was a nice strike from distance that found the bottom corner. That gave everyone confidence.
“Then we were the better side at the start of the second half and when we scored the second you start thinking: ‘Crikey, this isn’t supposed to happen!’
“United had us under the cosh after that but we were up for the challenge and remained strong to claim the victory.
“Paul Hardyman said after the game that one swallow doesn’t make a summer and we’re not going to go overboard – just as we wouldn’t following a defeat.
“But we’ll still enjoy the win and look forward to our next game against Liverpool on Saturday.”
Man Utd: Jacob; Hendrie, McCullough, Wilkinson (Weir 66), Blackett; Daehli, Rothwell, Rudge, van Velzen; Lawrence; Barmby
Subs not used: Coll, Pearson, Gorre
Pompey: Gledhill; Tallack (Harris 73), Webster, Grant, Butler; Awford (Branford 89), Stockford, Colson; Wheeler, Higgins; Maloney (Vine 84)
Subs not used: Warren, Fitzharris