Young Blues see off Exeter
Pompey ended 2014 on a high with a 1-0 home victory over Exeter in the Youth Alliance League.
They created plenty of chances, although had nothing to show for their efforts at the interval.
But the breakthrough did arrive in the second half when Kaleem Haitham (pictured) cut inside and sent a dangerous cross into the box.
Grecians skipper Josh Read was first to the ball, but all the defender could do was turn it into his own net.
Academy coach Mikey Harris said: “It was an entertaining game and a nice way to end the year.
“It’s great to see two sides playing the right way and it was very much a possession-based strategy from us and Exeter.
“But I thought we dominated throughout and created a number of opportunities, with Lewis Gill going close on a few occasions.
“Their keeper was in fine form, with one great save in particular to keep out a good effort from Adam May.
“It was goalless at the break, but the lads kept applying pressure and we eventually forced them into a mistake and got the winner we deserved.
“The boys will be delighted with the result, although for me the performance levels are more important and I was pleased with what I saw.”
Pompey: Bass; Davies (Nilsen 61), Granger, Field, Haunstrup (c); Rwakarambwe, May, Oxlade-Chamberlain; Haitham (Bradbury 80), Gill, Sayers (Joseph-Buadi 55)