Young Blues beat Elite Showcase
Pompey warmed up for their FA Youth Cup clash with Eastleigh by beating an Elite Showcase side 4-2 in a Furze Lane friendly.
The match was split into three periods of 30 minutes and the hosts quickly roared into a two-goal lead.
There was a touch of fortune about the first, though, with a clearance hitting Harvey Bradbury and ricocheting into the net.
Ousman Saidy (pictured) then doubled the advantage after an initial effort was parried kindly into his path by the opposition goalkeeper.
But it was the visitors who provided the attacking threat in the second section and found themselves level before also striking the woodwork.
Bradley Lehtbridge restored the Blues’ lead in the final third, however, when he headed home Dan Smith’s cross.
And Sam Woodward wrapped things up by stealing possession, driving forward and coolly sliding the ball into the net.
Academy coach Mikey Harris said: “It was a decent exercise that enable us to fill a gap in the fixture calendar.
“Elite Showcase are a side based in London who give released players another opportunity, so it was also useful as a potential recruitment opportunity.
“It was a competitive contest against a strong team, both sides impressed in spells and we scored some very good goals.
“We fielded plenty of boys from the under-16s to give them a taste of what’s to come if they progress their careers with us next year.”
Pompey: Collins; Saidy (Chandler 47), Casey, Dandy (Wakley 47), Hancott; Smith, Read (Scutt 60) Brooks, IK (Flint 60); Bradbury (Woodward 60), Mayes (Lethbridge 60)
Sub not used: Hall
The FA Youth Cup first round clash with Eastleigh will be played at Fratton Park on Thursday, October 27 (7pm kick-off).