Blues beaten 4-1 by Dons
Wes Fogden continued his injury comeback by playing an hour of Pompey Reserves’ 4-1 defeat at AFC Wimbledon.
The Blues included several senior players in their side for the Final Third Development League clash.
But they found themselves four goals down before substitute Calvin Davies grabbed a consolation.
The result meant that Pompey suffered a competitive defeat for the first time this season after going nine games unbeaten.
It was the hosts who were first to threaten when David Fitzpatrick fired across goal, but none of his team-mates were able to make a crucial connection.
The same player then did well to tee-up Dan Agyei, although his weak shot did not worry Michael Poke.
Pompey’s first opening arrived on 14 minutes when Craig Westcarr was fouled and the striker picked himself up to fire the free-kick wide.
And Fogden’s ball into the box had to be scrambled behind as the Blues enjoyed a spell of attacking pressure.
But it was AFC Wimbledon who broke the deadlock on 25 minutes when, after stealing possession in the centre of the pitch, Fitzpatrick’s shot could only be helped into the bottom corner by Poke.
They soon strengthened their advantage, as Nick Awford was dispossessed and Tom Beere allowed to surge forward before finding the net.
Fogden nearly reduced the deficit, only for Ross Worner to come quickly off his line and use his feet to make a key block.
The Dons keeper then got down smartly to keep out Awford’s deflected drive as Pompey began to reassert themselves.
They had a couple more chances before the break, but Conor Chaplin fired wide, while Brandon Haunstrup’s cross was headed over by Andy Barcham.
Half Time: AFC Wimbledon 2 Pompey 0
Nigel Atangana sent Westcarr away early in the second half, but the striker’s shot was comfortable for Worner.
And Pompey again caused their own downfall on 49 minutes when Adam Webster gave the ball away cheaply and Fitzpatrick raced away to score.
It almost got even worse for the visitors, with Poke just about managing to tip Agyei’s effort against the post.
But AFC Wimbledon did grab a fourth goal just past the hour mark as Fitzpatrick claimed his hat-trick with a low drive.
The Blues immediately reduced the deficit when Worner spilled a cross and DAVIES gratefully prodded home from close range.
They then tried to repair more of the damage, but this time Worner was able to hold on to Webster’s free-kick.
It was the Dons who had the final say, though, and almost added some icing to the cake, with Egli Kaja just unable to meet Danny Gallagher’s teasing cross.
AFC Wimbledon: Worner; Smith, Sweeney, Pilbeam (c), Harrison; Fitzpatrick, Gallagher, Beere, Agyei; Oakley (Kaja 56), Jacquart (Bellikli 69)
Subs not used: Mannion, Wilson, Frost
Pompey: Poke; Webster, Ertl, Chorley (c); Haunstrup, Fogden (Davies 60), Awford, Atangana (Granger 81), Barcham (Nilsen 60); Westcarr, Chaplin
Sub not used: Bass
Referee: Ernie Moore