Young Blues draw 1-1 in opening game
Pompey Academy started the season with a 1-1 draw against Peterborough at St John’s College.
Paul Hardyman’s side took the lead on 34 minutes when Harry Weeks converted Bradley Tarbuck’s free-kick with a diving header at the near post.
But Peterborough secured a share of the spoils thanks to a stunning 30-yard finish into the top corner midway through the second half.
Academy coach Hardyman said: “We had more than enough chances to win the game and hit the woodwork twice.
“There was one shot that hit the underside of the bar and bounced down over the line, but it wasn’t given – it reminded me of Frank Lampard’s ‘goal’ against Germany in the World Cup.
“We competed well and there were some good passages of play, although not as many as we would have liked.
“There were five under-16 players in our side, as well as a couple of trialists, so the result wasn’t the be all and end all.
“We’ve said all along that the most important thing for us is to produce players who will one day be in the first team.
“We were relatively happy with the performances of some of our players, but a few others know they can do a lot better.”
Pompey: Raine; Granger (Tarasenko 66), Smart, Whatmough (c), Haunstrup; Close, Nielsen; Rwakarambwe (Rutherford 80), Kim, Tarbuck; Weeks (Haitham 89)
Subs not used: Davies, May