Yates stretchered off in Yeovil loss
Pompey Academy lost their third successive game after going down 1-0 at home to Yeovil.
But the result was put into perspective by the sight of Blues skipper Dory Yates (above) leaving the pitch on a stretcher.
The centre-back – who only returned from a broken leg towards the end of last season – landed awkwardly after jumping for a corner late in the first half and was taken to hospital.
Pompey had chances to win the game, with Brandon Joseph-Buadi coming closest to scoring for the hosts.
But it was Yeovil who snatched all three points on 80 minutes when a cross from the right was converted.
Academy coach Mikey Harris said: “We never really clicked, although that was perhaps understandable in the circumstances.
“Dory’s ankle was facing the wrong way and it was pretty distressing for everyone, not least him.
“We took the lads off the pitch and Dory was made comfortable until the ambulance arrived to take him to hospital.
“He’ll have a scan next week and we’ll have to wait for the outcome of that, but we’re all hoping that it’s only a dislocation rather than a break.
“Our players were a bit shell-shocked by the incident and it wasn’t a great performance from our point of view.
“Dory was our captain and we seemed to lack a bit of direction on the pitch when he went off.
“We’re quite stretched at the moment, with players out on loan, involved with the first team or injured.
“So it’s time for some of our second years to stand up and take on more of a leadership role.
“Credit to Yeovil because they worked hard and took their chance, but Dory’s well-being is more important than the result.”
Pompey: Collins; Scutt, Saidy, Yates (Casey 31), McDowell; Oxlade-Chamberlain, Widdrington (Woodward 76); Joseph-Buadi, Bedford (Bradbury 46), Haitham; Sayers
Want to dedicate the 2 goals today to @DoryYates Hope you get better soon pal! 💪🏼
— Matt Tubbs (@MattTubbs) October 10, 2015