Academy manager pleased with FA Youth Cup display
Pompey’s academy stars were expected to beat Moneyfields comfortably in the FA Youth Cup.
And they did not disappoint, with eight different scorers hitting 12 unanswered goals in the first round tie at Fratton Park.
Ben Close grabbed four in the first half, while defender Chad Field weighed in with a brace.
Lewis Gill, Jack Whatmough, Bradley Tarbuck, Adam May, Harry Medway and Lewis Horsburgh also found the target as the Blues ran riot.
And Andy Awford was delighted with the professionalism shown by his fledglings.
Pompey’s academy manager said: “I felt a bit sorry for their keeper with the first goal after he spilt the ball, especially because he made a good save before that.
“But we asked our lads to be professional and to do things properly and that’s exactly what they did.
“It was still a fantastic occasion for the Moneyfields lads. They kept going right until the end and credit to them for that.
“But our lads delivered and it was a comfortable victory – we’re delighted to be in the next round.
“It’s normally our front two of Horsburgh and Tarbuck who get the headlines, so it was nice to see the goals shared around.
“There were a lot of local people here to support both sides, which was fantastic and we’re grateful for that.”
Pompey will host the winner of Friday’s match between Barton Rovers and Stevenage in the second round.
Awford said: “We’ll go and watch that game and have a little look at what’s to come for us.
“It’s nice that we’re at home again because it gives our boys another chance to play at Fratton Park.
“But we’ve got an important league game at AFC Wimbledon on Saturday and we have to focus on that.”