Casey strike sees off Cherries
Pompey Academy stretched their run of victories to six matches after Matt Casey (pictured) came off the bench to net a late winner against Bournemouth at Furze Lane.
They might have gone ahead earlier in the game, but a goal was ruled out following a handball by Kyle McDowell in the build-up.
It was the visitors who were then penalised for a similar incident in the second half, only for Tommy Scutt’s penalty to be tipped around the post.
Casey did strike before the end, however, smashing home from the edge of the box after his first effort had been blocked.
Academy coach Mikey Harris said: “It was a pretty even game, with a lot more half-chances than clear-cut scoring opportunities.
“We had the goal disallowed, while Jack Collins made a great save to keep the scores level before the break.
“It was a similar story in the second half, although both sides were working hard and trying to play the right way.
“The penalty we were awarded was very harsh in my opinion, but it didn’t matter as Tommy’s effort was well saved.
“But we finally made the breakthrough from the second phase of a corner and it was pleasing for Matt to get his first goal for the youth team.
“We saw out the final few minutes and overall it was a pleasing performance – I certainly can’t fault the players’ application or the way they worked as a team.”
Pompey: Collins; Smith, Saidy (Casey 61), Wakley, McDowell; Read, Widdrington (c) (Woodward 46); Scutt, Mayes, Bedford (Brooks 55); Bradbury (Chandler 70)