Tarbuck scores stunner, but Blues are beaten 4-1 by Gillingham
Pompey Academy suffered just their second defeat of the season with a 4-1 reverse at Gillingham.
It was the visitors who opened the scoring courtesy of a stunning 25-yard volley from Bradley Tarbuck (pictured) that flew into the top corner.
And the Blues hit the woodwork three times as they looked to extend their advantage in Kent.
But Gillingham took advantage of some sloppy defending to turn the match on its head and secure all three points.
Academy coach Paul Hardyman said: “It was a bad day at the office – we were poor at both ends of the pitch.
“We began the game well after an early start and long journey and Brad’s goal was fantastic.
“But we let Gillingham back into it and their equaliser was a result of us over-playing. It was a gift.
“They took the lead with a penalty and then scored a third from a corner. The fourth goal came about because again we were trying to play out from the back.
“Credit to Gillingham – they took their chances and we didn’t. We hit the crossbar twice, the post once and had other goalscoring opportunities.
“The only positive I can take is that three of our under-16 players were able to gain valuable experience at a higher level.
“But, overall, the performance levels weren’t what expect from a side representing Pompey. It was unacceptable and we told the boys that.”
Pompey: Raine; Field, Smart, Granger (Davis 61), Haunstrup; Rwakarambwe, Close (c), Nilsen (May 46), Kim; Tarbuck, Horsburgh (Weeks 61)