Pompey Academy beat Fleetlands on penalties after a 2-2 draw at Lederle Lane to reach the semi-finals of the Portsmouth Cup.
Kai Sterne had fired the hosts into an early lead, but the visitors levelled when Harvey Laidlaw’s effort was deflected into the path of Reggie Buckland to fire home.
And the Blues went in ahead at the break, as Harry Clout’s delivery from the right was converted by Laidlaw.
But they were guilty of some sloppy play in the second half and Cam Stone took advantage of slack defending to level.
It looked as though Fleetlands would come out on top in the shoot-out, as although Mitch Aston, Laidlaw and Destiny Ojo all scored, Jack Fox’s effort was saved.
But Oscar Glover denied Stone and Clout stepped up to ensure sudden death would be required to separate the sides.
Glover was the hero once more by keeping out Jamie Winter’s shot and Buckland then fired home the winning penalty to set up a trip to Gosport next week.
Lead professional development phase coach Sam Hudson said: “The first 45 minutes was really good and it was just disappointing that one shot from a set-piece has seen us concede.
"Oscar has made a couple of saves to send us through and we’re pleased that a place in a cup final is now up for grabs."
“But we had a lot of the ball and once we found some rhythm, we were able to start breaking them down.
“A few chances were created and we got two goals, while there were some other really positive moments from us.
“So we didn’t really have to tweak anything at the break – it was more about just advising the boys to find those pockets of space.
“But I can’t really tell you what happened in the second half and a few players seemed to go into their shells.
“There was some naivety in terms of managing the momentum and there was also a lack of leadership at times because the under-16 boys needed a bit of advice.
“Fair play to Fleetlands for getting back into the game and they thoroughly deserved to take the tie to penalties.
“Oscar has made a couple of saves to send us through and we’re pleased that a place in a cup final is now up for grabs.
“It will be another game against men at Gosport and that’s welcome, but a lot of questions can be asked about that performance in the second half.”
Pompey: Glover; Fox (c), Buckland, Martin, Mullins (Ojo 71); Murray, Aston; Hurst (May 85), Clout, Laidlaw; Singerr
Subs not used: Smith, Howard, Staight
