Young Blues stung by Hornets
Conor Chaplin’s goal was not enough to prevent Pompey Academy from slipping to defeat against Watford at Furze Lane.
The hosts fell behind late in the first half when Il Myeong Choi's shot from the edge of the box flew into the bottom corner of Kieron Greene’s net.
But there was still time for the Blues to equalise before the interval, with Chaplin on hand to poke home after the Watford keeper could only parry Ben Close’s effort.
Pompey pushed forward in search of a winner after the interval, but were caught out late on as Josh Doherty struck to secure all three points for the Hornets.
Academy coach Mark Kelly said: “We asked them to keep the ball, be patient and be brave and for long periods of the game we were in control.
“The final third is an area we need to work on because we had a lot of chances that we weren’t able to take.
“We were going for the victory and you’re always susceptible on the break and unfortunately we conceded in the 89th minute.
“But the lads ticked a lot of boxes in regards to what we asked them to do and that’s after a long trip on Tuesday night and the disappointment of losing on penalties.
“Getting used to that frustration and also having to play Tuesday and then Saturday will be good experience for them.”
Pompey: Greene; Haunstrup, Field, Smart, Medway; Granger (May 46), Close; Rwakarambwe, Chaplin, Kim (Gill 57); Horsburgh
Photo: Michael Hulf
Photo: Michael Hulf