PORTSMOUTH FOOTBALL CLUB

Pompey left it late to secure their first pre-season victory of the summer.

It took an 89th-minute goal from Conor Chaplin to see off Gosport, who had earlier fought back from two down.

Chaplin and triallist Theo Robinson struck in each half to give the visitors a commanding lead at Privett Park.

But Justin Bennett and Jamie White then netted in quick succession to level the scores and Borough suddenly looked the more likely to claim a win.

Chaplin’s late intervention ensured that was not the case, however, and Paul Cook was pleased that his young side were able to triumph

The Blues boss said: “We got to a stage of the game when we were making mistakes, but that’s a good thing.

“When it got to 2-2 Gosport looked like they were the only team who were going to win and that was great for our young lads.

“You can do plenty to help them progress, but they need to be out there in the firing line and learning.

“I’m pleased that they were able to go on and win the game from that position because it didn’t look likely.

“There were some very good things to come out of the contest, but it’s still very much a work in progress.

“Gosport offered us the opportunities to get forward with the way that they played, while Bognor on Friday night sat a lot deeper.

“It was a bit more of an open game, with both sides able to get forward and Conor continued his great scoring form.”

There were plenty of Pompey fans among a healthy crowd of 2,020 packed into Privett Park and Cook was grateful for their backing.

He said: “The support was fantastic – the numbers we’re getting to watch us in games like this are a credit to the fans.

“We ask them to stay with us because one thing I can guarantee is that we won’t let them down.”

Watch a clip of Paul Cook and Conor Chaplin's post-match reaction below or subscribe to Pompey PlayerHD for the full interviews.