Smith and Mayes secure Blues victory
Matt Mayes (above) scored a last-gasp stunner as Pompey Academy returned to winning ways against Swindon at Furze Lane.
The hosts were missing the injured trio of Jez Bedford, Kyle McDowell and Theo Widdrington, while Harvey Bradbury was suspended.
But they were inches away from forging ahead before the interval, with Sam Woodward firing against the crossbar.
It was Swindon who took the lead just past the hour mark, however, and the Blues’ frustrations continued when Woodward struck the woodwork for a second time.
They levelled moments later, though, as Dan Smith rose highest in the box to convert Ousman Saidy’s cross.
And the turnaround was complete in the dying seconds when Mayes picked the ball up 30 yards out and launched an unstoppable strike into the top corner.
Academy coach Mikey Harris said: “It was a really good game between two decent teams – regardless of the result, I haven’t enjoyed a contest like that for a while.
“It was a really competitive encounter that was played the right way, while it was nice to catch up with Alan McLoughlin.
“We started well, but Swindon then started to come into the game more and dominated the ball, so we had to stick with it.
“It was disappointing to go behind, but the reaction was positive. That was particularly pleasing given recent results.
“Perhaps Swindon got a little bit complacent towards the end and we were able to capitalise with a couple of late goals.
“We had the momentum after Dan grabbed the equaliser and then Matt’s strike would grace any level of the game.
“I certainly don’t think we were at our best, but there was an excellent display of resilience and character, which is something we’ve been missing in recent weeks.”
Pompey: Hall (c); Chandler (Casey 58), Saidy, Wakley, Hancott; Brooks, Read, Smith, Woodward (Lethbridge 86), Scutt; Mayes
Subs not used: Collins, Dandy