Academy win 4-2 in Bristol
Pompey won 4-2 for a second successive match as they saw off Bristol Rovers in the Youth Alliance League.
They broke the deadlock following a quick counter-attack, with Harvey Bradbury setting up Jez Bedford for a neat finish into the bottom corner.
And Kyle McDowell then got free down the left and whipped in a pin-point cross for Theo Widdrington (pictured) to head home.
Pompey cruised into a three-goal lead before the break, as Tommy Scutt’s shot was diverted in by Bradbury.
But the hosts hit back in the second half, reducing the deficit from the penalty spot before grabbing a second.
The Blues made sure of the three points, however, with Scutt scoring from 12 yards after Widdrington had been fouled in the box.
Academy coach Mikey Harris said: “It was a textbook break for our first goal, with Harvey heading clear from their corner and then getting up the pitch to set-up Jez.
“I was pleased with Kyle’s contribution for the second because he’s been working on his crossing, while Theo has been prolific of late.
“There was a bit of controversy about our third because Tommy hit it and it got the faintest of touches off Harvey.
“They were arguing over whose goal it was, but Harvey got the final touch so I suppose it’s his – and Tommy got one later.
“We almost went four up early in the second half, as Harvey hit the underside of the bar and it bounced back out.
“Bristol Rovers then went straight up the other end and we conceded a penalty. I’ve got no complaints about that because it was a clear push by Ousman Saidy.
“We didn’t lose our composure and still created chances, but then we got hit on the break again.
“At that point you start to think that we’ve given ourselves a problem, although the lads stuck at it and our performance levels didn’t drop.
“Theo was brought down unceremoniously for our penalty and Tommy stepped up to slot it away and put the win beyond doubt.
“We’re happy to come away with a positive result and are improving every game. The lads need to keep on doing that and find some more consistency.”
Pompey: Hall; Chandler (Casey 55), Saidy, Wakley, McDowell; Read, Widdrington, Scutt; Bedford, Bradbury, Woodward (Smith 60)