by Neil Weld
A freak goal condemned Pompey to defeat against Chelsea at the Wellington Sports Ground.
A clearance by Blues keeper Steven Lawrence cannoned off the back of Amin Affane and flew into the net to secure all three points for the Londoners.
Pompey had earlier taken the lead through Kane Cook’s neat finish, only to be pegged back by Islam Feruz’s equaliser.
Academy manager Andy Awford said: “It was an even game from start to finish which is why it’s so disappointing to have lost.
“We got in front early on through a strike from Kane (pictured) after some good build-up play from Ryan Williams and Ashley Harris and we were good value for our lead.
“But then we conceded from a set-piece which is always frustrating and soon after Chelsea are in front thanks to a bizarre goal. That’s the way our luck seems to be going at the moment.
“We had a few chances in the second half and my main criticism is that we’re not being clinical enough in the final third.
“But overall I was pleased with the way we matched a side like Chelsea with their resources.
“It’s just disappointing that we’ve suffered another defeat. We need – and deserve – a win to boost the lads’ confidence.
“We don’t have a game next week, so we’ll be working hard in training ahead of our trip to Norwich in a fortnight.”
Pompey: Lawrence; Wheeler, Webster (c), Grant, Triggs; Wallace (Maloney 64), Colson, Awford; Williams (Fitzharris 73), Cook (Higgins 64); Harris
Subs not used: Warren, Branford
Chelsea: Beeney; Gordon, Pappoe (c), Ake, Nditi; Lotus-Cheek (Houghton 67), Swift, Baker; Seremba, Affane; Feruz (Kiwomya 61)
Subs not used: Tiup, Ntunu,Osmanovic