Sayers strike secures win
Pompey Academy ended the season on a high with a 1-0 victory over Southend at Furze Lane in Merit League One.
Liam Sayers (pictured) scored the only goal of the game on 30 minutes, completing a mazy run by firing home a calm finish from the edge of the box.
Blues keeper Alex Bass then made a couple of key saves to stop the Shrimpers from snatching an equaliser.
Academy coach Mikey Harris said: “The match was a pretty even affair, with both sides pressing high and working hard out of possession.
“It was extremely competitive and not like your typical end of season contest – everyone was keen to go out on a positive note.
“We created quite a few chances and Liam scored with a great finish, while Alex did well at the other end.
“In possession, though, we weren’t quite as controlled as we had been against Peterborough during the week – a match we lost 1-0.
“Sometimes we took one touch when two or three would have done and sometimes it was the opposite. Our decision making could have been a lot better.
“The second half then turned quite scrappy, but we defended well and were able to hold on for the victory, which the lads were delighted with.
“Credit must go to them for the way they applied themselves – not just in this game, but throughout the season.”
Pompey: Bass; Davies, Nilsen, Field, Haunstrup; Rwakarambwe (Yates 60), Oxlade-Chamberlain, Granger (Bedford 68); Joseph-Buadi, Sayers (Woodward 72), Haitham