Andy Awford’s first game as Pompey’s academy manager ended in a 1-0 defeat to Crystal Palace at the Wellington Sports Ground.
The Blues played well and created plenty of chances but a late goal from Ibra Sekajja gave the Eagles all three points.
Awford said: “Their goal was struck well and flew into the bottom corner but perhaps we could have done more to close the lad down.
“Overall, though, I’m delighted with the effort, application and attitude that I saw from my side.
“But you don’t always get what you deserve in football and that was certainly the case for us in this game.
“We created some good, clear-cut chances but the harsh reality is that if you don’t convert your chances then you can get punished.
“The lads were low after the game but it’s all part of the learning curve that you go through when becoming a footballer. They’ll have to use this experience to try to improve as players.”
Pompey: Gledhill; Tallack (Seeley 86), Magri, Tsovolos, Grant; Colson (Antelmi 86), Stockford (c); Wheeler, Harris, Butler; Williams
Subs not used: Moore, Fitzharris, Bennett
Crystal Palace: Fitzsimmons; Field (Clarke 31), Pringle, Innis, Kadell; Caprice, Saw, De Silva, Wynter; Sekajja (Bola 90), Williamson-Murray
Subs not used: Mann, Knight, Dymond