Close scores, but Pompey well beaten
Pompey Academy suffered a 4-1 defeat to Gillingham in their final home game of the season.
The Blues had recovered from falling behind to equalise when Ben Close (pictured) headed home a cross from the right.
But the visitors won a 50-50 ball to break forward and retake the lead just before the interval.
Kieron Greene then saved a Gills penalty in the second half, but Pompey conceded a few seconds later.
And they were caught on the counter-attack late on as the Kent side secured a comfortable victory.
Academy coach Paul Hardyman said: “We had a few under-16 players in our line-up and were coming up against a more experienced group. We’ve got a few injuries at the moment, but that’s no excuse.
“Gillingham just seemed like they wanted it a bit more than we did – and that’s what disappoints me.
“Our players needed to show a bit more hunger and desire, but that’s all part of the learning curve for them.
“We didn’t compete as we have done previously this season and it’s up to them to put that right.”
Pompey: Greene; Haunstrup, Field, May, Medway; Close, Granger (Oxlade-Chamberlain 62); Rwakarambwe (Joseph-Buadi 62), Gill (Smart 75), Chaplin; Horsburgh