Pompey Academy 1 Reading Academy 0
Pompey returned to winning ways with a single-goal victory over Reading at the Wellington Sports Ground.
The Blues have now lost just one of their last seven games as their fine late-season form continued against the Royals.
They were given a helping hand when Reading midfielder Frank Raymond was shown a straight red card for a foul on Dan Butler late in the first half.
And it was Butler (pictured) who secured victory just after the interval. Royals keeper Dean Santangelo spilled Ryan Williams cross and although Ashley Harris’ shot was blocked, Butler was well-placed to fire home the loose ball.
Academy manager Andy Awford said: “I’m pleased with the result, although we’ve played better and not won games this season.
“There were some good things and also some things that we’ll be looking to work on in training during the week ahead.
“But part of a young player’s education is learning how to win a game of football, so I’m glad they managed to do that.
“Winning games is not the be all and end all at this level but it is still important and it breeds confidence.
“When Reading had a man sent off they sat deep and asked us to break them down. We did that when Ryan put a good ball into the box and we had Ashley and then Dan following up – something that may not have happened a few weeks ago.
“Then we closed the game down well. The players listened to the instructions we were giving them from the side-lines and were able to see out the game.”
Pompey: Gledhill; Seeley, Magri, Tsovolos, Grant; Williams (Fitzharris 88), Colson, Stockford (c), Harris (Higgins 70), Butler (Antelmi 61); Walshe
Sub not used: Fry
Reading: Santangelo; Arnold, MacDonald, Partridge, Jefford (Tshibola 85); Carr, Raymond, Goddard, Lossaso; Samuel, C.Edwards (R.Edwards 46)
Sub not used: Cooper