Kim and Close on target for Pompey
Pompey Academy came from behind to win 2-1 at Dagenham & Redbridge in the Youth Alliance League.
Brandon Haunstrup played a key role in the Blues’ equaliser, running almost the full length of the pitch before combining well with Fahad Rwakarambwe down the right.
The midfielder sent a cross into the box and Kim Jae Heon’s shot bounced down into the ground and over the Daggers goalkeeper.
Bradley Tarbuck then threaded a pass through to Ben Close, who coolly slid home the winner from just inside the box.
Academy coach Paul Hardyman said: “We performed well against Watford in the cup last week and only got a draw.
“Our display against Dagenham wasn’t as good, but we won the game – football’s like that sometimes.
“We didn’t play as well as we could – and should – have, but the lads dug in and ground out a result.
“It was a mixed bag. Dagenham might have scored more goals – they hit the crossbar and the post, while Harry Medway had to clear a shot off the line.
“But we showed character to come from behind and win, while both our goals were good to watch.”
Pompey: Raine; Haunstrup, Field, Whatmough (c), Medway; Chaplin (Rwakarambwe 36), Granger (Tarasenko 63), Close, Kim; Tabuck, Horsburgh (Smart 75)