Joseph-Buadi on target for Blues
Pompey ended 2015 with a 1-1 Youth Alliance League draw with Bristol Rovers at Furze Lane.
They broke the deadlock just before the break when Adam May fed Brandon Joseph-Buadi (above), who coolly lifted the ball over goalkeeper Charlie Phillips before volleying home.
But the visitors levelled on the hour mark, as Lewis Ellington’s effort took a deflection to beat Nick Hall.
The Blues had a chance to secure all three points when, during a goalmouth scramble, the referee spotted a handball.
Phillips was equal to Calvin Davies’ penalty, however, getting down to his right to make a smart save.
Jez Bedford then saw his close-range effort crash against the post and Pompey had to settle for a share of the spoils.
Academy coach Mikey Harris said: “The pitch wasn’t great, but we still tried to pass the ball around as usual.
“We managed to retain possession quite well without really creating many openings in the first 45 minutes.
“However, we were still able to score a good counter-attacking goal, with Brandon doing well to finish the move off.
“It looked fairly comfortable at the break, but the game became more of a scrappy affair in the second half.
“We conceded a disappointing goal. A sloppy pass allowed our opponents to win a throw and they were able to work that into a scoring opportunity.
“The match then went from end-to-end, which would have been entertaining to watch, but we’d lost the control we had earlier on.
“We still had chances to win, though, and unfortunately Calvin’s penalty was kept out with a great save, while Jez missed probably the best chance of the game.
“But Rovers are a decent side and would have had extra motivation after their FA Youth Cup defeat to us a few weeks ago, so a draw isn’t a bad way to end the year.”
Pompey: Hall; Davies, Saidy, Widdrington, Scutt (McDowell 70); Oxlade-Chamberlain, May; Joseph-Buadi, Woodward (Bedford 63), Haitham; Bradbury