by Johnny Moore
Academy boss Andy Awford proved a hard taskmaster following his side’s last-gasp win over Aldershot.
Trailing 2-1 with four minutes left, Pompey staged a breathtaking comeback to win 3-2 courtesy of a Bradley Pegg own-goal and James Jennings strike.
Despite being pleased by the spirit and character of the late show, Awford lamented the general performance.
“I know it’s early days and still only pre-season, but to be honest that wasn’t good enough for me,” said Pompey’s academy chief.
“There were simple things we didn’t do correctly that you would expect from the 14 and 15-year-olds.
“Maybe it needs a bit more repetition on the training pitch where we now need to get back to basics and start working again.
“I thought Aldershot were the better team, but football can be crazy and we get those two goals in the dying minutes to win the game.
“We were a long way short of where we want to be, but maybe it’s a wake-up call.”
Leading 1-0 through Aaron Kinchen’s fourth-minute header, Pompey had lost their way to a plucky Aldershot side, conceding goals either side of the break.
The Blues head to Wycombe on Friday for their third pre-season friendly. Kick-off is 1pm at Bisham Abbey.
They open their 2011/12 campaign at Manchester United on Saturday, August 20.
Awford said: “The positives I take from the Aldershot game are that the lads kept going and finally did the right things, winning the game.
“I also know the lads are a good set of honest players who are better than they showed against Aldershot. They know they need to do better in our next game at Wycombe.”