Coach delighted with Met Police victory
It is something that Pompey’s first team have had to get used to at Fratton Park.
And Mikey Harris admits that the academy side needed plenty of patience before securing their FA Youth Cup progress.
Their second round clash with Metropolitan Police looked to be heading for extra-time, with the hosts struggling to convert their dominance into goals.
So Harris was delighted to see Matt Mayes and Tommy Scutt both find the target inside the final 10 minutes to settle the tie.
Pompey’s academy coach said: “Met Police came with a game-plan to frustrate us and got men behind the ball.
“They were executing it perfectly until we managed to get the breakthrough, while they always posed a threat on the counter-attack.
“I thought it was a great cup tie and I’m sure everyone who came along would have enjoyed the game.
“It wasn’t dissimilar to some of the first team matches we’ve seen this season where teams come to frustrate.
“But it’s difficult to break sides down when they’re fit and well organised. It requires that little bit of patience.
“Fortunately, we stuck with it and made a few tweaks at the break which allowed us to get in behind them a bit more.
“We scored with a great cross from Kyle McDowell and a header from Matt – who’s on fire at the moment.
“Then it was a great choice from Jez Bedford to slip Tommy in and he did well to put the tie beyond doubt.”
Pompey will now welcome Newcastle to the south coast for a third round tie that must be played before December 17.
Harris said: “It’s a great test for us. We’ve been very lucky with the draws giving us three home games and we’ll do our best to cause an upset.”