Fulham Academy 2 Pompey Academy 2
Pompey came from two goals down to earn a point at Fulham and stretch their unbeaten run to three Premier Academy League games.
But the Blues were poor before the break at Motspur Park and went in two goals down at the interval.
Alex Brister opened the scoring for the Cottagers – managed by former Pompey defender Kit Symons – midway through the first half with Marcello Trotta adding a second just before the break.
But the Blues were much improved in the second half and Ashley Harris’ fine finish gave them a lifeline, before Ryan Williams (pictured) grabbed the equaliser 18 minutes from the end.
Academy manager Andy Awford said: “The first half was the worst we’ve played since I’ve been in charge. I can’t knock their effort but our retention of the ball and our attacking play were both very poor.
“I told them at half-time that it’s all very well being able to run around and compete but we have to do better when we’re in possession.
“We made a couple of changes at the break and, to be fair, the lads responded to what I’d told them.
“Ashley Harris scored a fantastic goal to get us back in the game. He showed great technique with a shot from 25 yards that went in off the post.
“That seemed to lift our spirits and then Ryan Williams cut in from the right and finished well to level things up.
“We could have gone on to win it from there – you could see Fulham’s players starting to worry.
“But then right at the end it took a great save from our keeper Matt Gledhill to ensure we left with a point.
“People probably looked at me and Kit Symons on the touchline and thought we’d fixed it so we finished with a draw, but we both wanted to get one over on each other.
“In the end, though, the draw was a fair result. We let our standards drop in the first half but did much better in the second.”
Pompey: Gledhill; Seeley, Tallack, Tsovolos, Grant; Fitzharris (Colson 46), Stockford (c) (Vine 65), Harris, Jennings (Butler 46); Williams; Walshe
Fulham: Smith; Moncur, Toure, Pierre, Kamau; Barroilhet (Cosgrove 75), Pritchard, Minkwitz, Brister; Trotta, Owusu-Ansah (Bettache 79)
Subs not used: Caveiro, Reece