Young Blues beaten at Plymouth
Pompey Academy had two players sent off as they were beaten 3-2 at Plymouth.
They fell behind from the penalty spot after centre-back Ousman Saidy had needlessly committed a foul in the box.
The hosts then doubled their advantage when a free-kick was nodded past Nick Hall, before Eddie Wakley was sent off for a second bookable offence.
Pompey improved after the interval and a long throw was flicked on for Harvey Bradbury (pictured) to head home and reduce the deficit.
Argyle then restored their two-goal advantage, but hopes were restored when Matt Mayes found space to finish from the edge of the box.
That was soon dashed, however, as Bradbury was also dismissed late on to leave the Blues with just nine players on the pitch.
Academy coach Mikey Harris said: “We didn’t get going at all in the first half and Plymouth put us under a lot of pressure.
“We gave away an unnecessary penalty. Their player was going away from goal, but Ousman decided to go through the back of him.
“Nick had made an excellent save to keep the scores level a few minutes earlier, although he had no chance with the spot-kick.
“We then conceded again and the mountain became even harder to climb when Eddie was sent off. The first booking was a stupid one for dissent, but the second was a bit soft.
“At half-time we told the boys it was a million miles away from what we are capable of and we wanted to see a response.
“Thankfully, we began on the front foot and started to dominate the ball, despite the numerical disadvantage.
“Harvey pulled one back and the game was suddenly a lot more open, with us chasing and Plymouth looking to break.
“We conceded again after not dealing with a ball into the box, but a great finish from Matt meant we were back in it.
“Harvey then collected two quick bookings and the first of them was also for dissent, so that’s particularly disappointing and something we have to learn from.
“It was a disappointing afternoon, although we showed good character to effectively win the second half, despite having fewer players on the pitch.
“But we can’t keep giving other teams a head start and expect to come away with a positive result.”
Pompey: Hall (Collins 77); Chandler, Wakley (c), Saidy, McDowell; Brooks; Smith, Scutt; Woodward (Casey 50); Mayes, Bradbury
Sub not used: Bedford