Tarbuck scores twice as Blues come from behind to win
Bradley Tarbuck scored twice as Pompey Academy came from behind to beat MK Dons 4-1 at Furze Lane.
All the goals came in the first half as the Blues made it back-to-back victories.
The visitors were first to find the target, but Lewis Horsburgh beat the Dons keeper to the ball and rounded him before slotting home the equaliser.
Tarbuck then ran with the ball and unleashed an unstoppable shot from the edge of the box to give Pompey the lead.
The Blues were pressing high up the pitch and after stealing possession, Kim Jae Heon fed Ben Close, who found the bottom corner.
Tarbuck then added a fourth from the penalty spot after Horsburgh had been brought down in the box.
Academy coach Paul Hardyman said: “We were caught ball-watching for MK Dons’ goal, but they didn’t cause us many other problems.
“I was delighted with our response to falling behind and with a bit more composure in the final third, we probably would have scored more goals.
“We went into the match with a game-plan and I was pleased to see the lads carry it out – especially in the first half.
“MK Dons are a decent side and – like Northampton last week – they came out stronger after the break, but we defended well.
“I was really pleased with the result and the performance. We scored some good goals and played decent football.”
Pompey: Raine; Haunstrup, Smart, Whatmough (c), Medway (Field 67); Rwakarambwe (Granger 67), Nilsen, Close, Kim; Tarbuck, Horsburgh (Joseph-Buadi 46)