Exeter hit seven past young Blues
An inexperienced Pompey Academy side suffered a heavy 7-0 defeat at Exeter in Merit League One.
The majority of the older age group players had featured for the reserve side in Thursday’s stunning 8-2 rout of Bristol City.
Only keeper Alex Bass remained from that starting 11, with Mikey Harris instead utilising his under-16 squad.
They found themselves just two goals down at the break, but Exeter added five more in the second half to romp to a comfortable victory.
Academy coach Harris said: “The scoreline was a fair reflection of the game. Our opponents were very impressive and punished us.
“It was always going to be difficult because they were at full strength, while we had a lot of 15-year-olds out there.
“So it wasn’t the best day for our lads, but I believe that it’s an experience they can take a lot from.
“This is the environment they’ll be stepping into in a few months and now they know just what the standard is like.
“When the third goal went in we seemed to throw in the towel and that’s a major lesson for them to learn. We won’t accept that at this club – giving up is not an option.
“Obviously the result is a negative, but from what I can see they have two options available to them.
“They can crumble and prove that perhaps the journey will not be a long one or they can use it as a kick up the backside. The ones who go on to be successful will be those who choose the latter.
Pompey: Bass (Hall 60); Saidy, Granger, Yates (Green 70); Scutt, Widdrington, Bedford (Tumber 46), Oxlade-Chamberlain, McDowell; Sayers, Woodward