Boss encouraged despite Charlton defeat
It was certainly an increase in quality for Pompey’s new-look side.
After matches at non-league Havant & Waterloovile, Bognor and Braintree, facing Championship opposition was always going to be tough.
And so it proved, as goals from Bradley Pritchard, Callum Harriott and Yann Kermorgant gave Charlton a 3-0 victory at Fratton Park.
But Guy Whittingham saw enough to be encouraged ahead of Pompey’s League Two opener against Oxford in a fortnight.
The Blues boss said: “I was very pleased with some of the football we were playing – we just need to tighten up on the basics.
“The players are still getting used to each other and I told them to keep their heads up.
“A few have played Championship level before, but a lot of them haven’t and it was a big step us for us.
“I’m encouraged and those that want to be on the journey with us can see where we need to get to.
“Everybody’s still getting games in and it’s going to be difficult – which is the way I want it – to choose the starting 11.”
A bumper friendly crowd of 8,557 turned up to watch the first Fratton fixture of the season.
“It’s fantastic,” said Whittingham. “The way they support this club never ceases to amaze me.
“We’re here now because of them and to see so many turn up for a pre-season game is great.”