Barton and Dunne in action for Blues
Pompey Reserves progressed to the final of the Final Third Development League Cup with a 2-1 victory over Cambridge at Nyewood Lane.
The tie was held over from last season and the Blues will now battle either MK Dons or Newport to claim the trophy.
Adam Barton and James Dunne both featured in an otherwise youthful side at Bognor after recovering from injuries that have kept them sidelined throughout pre-season.
Pompey dominated the tie and missed several openings before finally breaking the deadlock midway through the first half.
Calvin Davies was brought down after surging into the box and stepped up to calmly convert the resulting penalty.
Cambridge levelled after the interval, but the hosts secured the win when Adam May (above) headed home following good work down the right from Davies and Christian Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Academy coach Mikey Harris said: “I’m not exaggerating when I say that our goal tally should have been in double figures.
“May could have had a hat-trick in the opening 10 minutes, while Brandon Joseph-Buadi, Liam Sayers and Dunne also had opportunities. It was chance after chance after chance.
“We played some really decent football at times and it was great to see Barton and Dunne in action.
“Their attitude and application was fantastic. They’re ultimate professionals and worked well with the young players in the side.
“The boys are delighted to get through to the final and that’s something to look forward to for them all.
“We just need to make sure we take more of our chances and be a bit more ruthless in front of goal. If they can do that then I’m sure we’ll have a successful season.”
Pompey: Bass; Davies, Wakley (Bedford 72), Yates, Haitham; Barton (Gilkes 61), Dunne (Widdrington 65); Joseph-Buadi, May, Oxlade-Chamberlain; Sayers (Scutt 75)