Tarbuck hits winner for Pompey
Pompey Academy returned to league action with a 3-2 victory at AFC Wimbledon.
They fell behind following a defensive mix-up, but Ben Close completed a fine team move to level with a shot from the edge of the box.
Calvin Davis then broke forward and fired the Blues in front with an effort from 25 yards that flew into the top corner.
AFC Wimbledon levelled with a long-range strike of their own, but Bradley Tarbuck (pictured) secured all three points for Pompey when his 30-yard free-kick evaded everyone and floated into the net.
Academy coach Paul Hardyman said: “We gifted them the opener, but managed to score three really good goals. I was particularly pleased for Calvin, who is one of our under-16 players.
“The lads played really well in the first half, but we looked a bit tired after the break following our FA Youth Cup exploits earlier in the week. We’re not used to playing Saturday, Tuesday, Saturday.
“But we dug in after going 3-2 up and weren’t put under too much pressure for most of the game.
“AFC Wimbledon changed their formation for the final 15 minutes and that’s when they started to cause a few problems, but we stayed resolute and held on for another win.”
Pompey: Bass; Medway, Field, Whatmough (c), Davis; Kim, Close, Nilsen (Smart 75), Gill (May 71); Tarbuck, Horsburgh (Rwakarambwe 46)