by Neil Weld
Andy Awford has been asking his academy side to show a ruthless streak throughout this season.
Well he got his wish when Pompey took on Bristol City at Fratton Park in the third round of the FA Youth Cup.
The Blues smashed their opponents 5-1 with Ashley Harris netting twice and Josh Warren, Jack Maloney and George Colson also getting on the scoresheet.
They even had the luxury of a missed penalty – Sam Magri’s second-half spot-kick was well saved by Robins keeper Matt Sandiford.
And Awford was delighted that his side finally showed some clinical finishing to progress to the next round.
Pompey’s academy manager said: “In a lot of our league games this season we’ve created chances but haven’t taken them and I thought it would be the same again in the first half. We created so many opportunities but only took two when we could have been four or five ahead at the break.
“But the lads stuck at it. When Bristol City made it 2-1 it was game on, but our lads showed character, got the third goal and then it was comfortable in the end.
“Bristol City got a bit of a shock. They got back into it at the start of the second half, but our third goal killed them off and we’ve even missed a couple of easy chances – as well as the penalty.
“I’m pleased for the lads because they’ve not always got the results that their performances have deserved this season.
“We do need to be more ruthless in front of goal, so I’m delighted that we’ve scored five.”
Pompey fans packed the south stand to catch a glimpse of the players they hope will be gracing the first time in the future.
They were joined by Blues boss Michael Appleton and chief executive David Lampitt to watch a comprehensive victory.
Awford said: “If you’re a local boy then it’s your dream to play at Fratton Park and the lads have done that now.
“They’ve got over any Fratton phobias and hopefully we can get another home draw in the next round.
“The directors, manager, coaching staff and even some first team players – as well as a lot of supporters – turned up to watch and it was nice to play so well in front of them.
“But now we’ve got a game at Chelsea in the league on Saturday and it would be a real achievement if we could record back-to-back wins for the first time this season.”