by Johnny Moore
Pompey Academy 1 Brighton Youth 0
Pompey Academy got their pre-season off to a winning start by beating Brighton at St John’s College.
In a game played over three periods of 30 minutes each, it was Carl Walshe (pictured) who found the net twenty minutes into the second segment.
He scored with a fine finish, steering the ball past Seagulls keeper Josh James and into the far corner after being found by Chinedu Vine.
After an even first period, Andy Awford’s side got stronger and dominated the next two sections of the game.
Although in the first period, Ashley Harris’ persistence almost paid off after he beat a Brighton defender and sent the ball looping over James and against the post.
And Jack Maloney then put in a dangerous cross from the right which Aaron Kinchen got the deftest of touches to, forcing a smart stop from James before Andy Higgins’ follow-up shot was blocked.
In between those two chances, Pompey keeper Matt Gledhill had to be alert to keep out efforts from Jack Shonk and George Cousins.
The Blues controlled possession in the second period and Vine’s shot brought a great save from James.
And the territorial dominance then paid off when WALSHE converted his smartly-taken strike.
In what was now a rare foray forward from the visitors, Adam Webster had to clear after George Hayward had flicked the ball goalwards.
But it was Pompey who looked more likely to add to the scoring and Brighton’s substitute keeper was called into action to deal with Elliot Wheeler’s cross from wide on the left.
Vine also went close with a header that flew narrowly wide, while Ashley Harris dragged a shot wide after breaking up a Brighton move in the middle of the park.
Academy manager Awford said: “It was nice to win, although at this stage of the season that’s not what it’s all about. It was a useful exercise for us.
“That said, I’m still pleased to win the game and to do so by keeping a clean sheet.”
Pompey: Gledhill, Colson, Warren, Webster, Butler, Maloney, Wheeler, Harris, Higgins, Awford, Kinchen
Subs: Elgar, Vine, Branford, Fitzharris, Walshe, Grant, Antelmi, Warren