Kim, Tarbuck and Medway on target against Barnet
Pompey’s hopes of progressing from the group stages of the Youth Alliance Cup were boosted with a 3-1 victory at Barnet.
They took the lead after just two minutes when Bradley Tarbuck’s shot was saved and Kim Jae Heon (pictured) slammed home the loose ball.
Barnet levelled through Shane Cojocarel before the break, but Tarbuck restored the Blues’ advantage from the penalty spot after Kim had been brought down in the box.
Harry Medway then bundled home a corner at the far post to secure victory for Pompey.
Academy coach Paul Hardyman said: “We got off to a good start, but then took our foot of the gas. That allowed Barnet back into the game and they scored a deserved equaliser.
“At half-time we told the boys to ignite the tempo and keep the ball better, which we did.
“We created some good chances and Lewis Horsburgh had a goal disallowed for offside following a good move. But Bradley and Harry scored to secure the win.
“We were missing Jack Whatmough, who was on first team duty and it was pleasing to see that we ended the game with three under-16 players on the pitch.
“It was a good result and one we’re pleased in, but we’re still looking for higher performance levels – that’s because we demand so much from the boys.
Pompey: Raine; Haunstrup, Granger, Field, Medway; Rwakarambwe (Haitham 55), Tarasenko (Smart 55), Close (c), Kim; Tarbuck (May 76), Horsburgh