Final Youth Alliance game ends in defeat
Pompey Academy’s Youth Alliance League campaign came to an end with a 3-2 defeat at Swindon.
The young Blues fought back from a three-goal deficit with a spirited second half display, but were ultimately unable to complete the fightback.
Jordan Simpson, Tommy Ouldridge and Sol Pryce took advantage of some sloppy play from the visitors to give the Robins a commanding lead.
But Eddie Wakley (pictured) pulled one back after the interval when he arrived at the far post to nod home Theo Widdrington’s corner.
Pompey pushed forward in search of more goals and Dan Smith sent a header wide before having a shot saved.
Jez Bedford did find the target with a neat strike into the bottom corner, but it proved too little, too late.
Academy coach Mikey Harris said: “It’s another big learning curve for our players because they seem to need something to happen before they get going.
“We didn’t start well at all, conceding three very poor goals that could all have been avoided. It was only then that we suddenly sprung into life.
“It’s important that the players are able to motivate themselves to begin on the front foot, rather than simply reacting to going behind.
“I will give them huge credit for the way they performed in the second half, though, because we created numerous chances.
“Dan was excellent and has clearly been working hard on the areas we’ve said he needs to improve. On another day he would have had a hat-trick.
“Eddie scored one, but he could also have got a couple more with his head and plenty of the other lads also had opportunities.
“So there were positives for us on what was a disappointing day overall and the boys know that they can’t keep waiting to kick into gear.”
Pompey: Hall (Collins 79); Chandler (Dandy 87), Wakley (c), Casey, McDowell; Brooks; Smith, Widdrington; Bedford (Read 90); Bradbury, Mayes (Woodward 61)
Sub not used: Hancott