Young Blues beat Bournemouth
Pompey Academy continued their fine goalscoring form with a 4-3 Merit League One victory at Bournemouth.
That took their tally to nine strikes in just two games following the previous week’s 5-5 draw with AFC Wimbledon.
But they had to fight from two goals down against the Cherries after some poor defending was punished by Sam Surridge.
The Blues reduced the deficit when Kyle McDowell burst down the left and teed-up Tommy Scutt, who smashed the ball into the roof of the net.
Adam May (above) then grabbed a spectacular equaliser, flicking the ball up on the edge of the box before volleying into the bottom corner.
And there was still time for Pompey to take the lead before the break, with Ousman Saidy rising highest to head home.
They increased their advantage in the second half when Brandon Joseph-Buadi ran at the defence and bent an unstoppable shot right into the stanchion.
Bournemouth pulled a goal back after Eddie Wakley conceded a penalty and Surridge completed his hat-trick from the spot, but the visitors held on to secure all three points.
Academy coach Mikey Harris said: “We dominated the early stages, but fell behind completely against the run of play.
“We were guilty of some sloppy play – first giving the ball away when we were under no pressure and then allowing their striker to latch onto a goal-kick.
“But we got one back, then Adam’s equaliser was an outstanding individual effort and Ousman’s header completed the turnaround.
“We spoke at the break about the importance of the next goal, so it was pleasing that we were able to score it.
“I didn’t think that Adam’s goal could be bettered, but Brandon certainly gave him a run for his money with another fine individual effort.
“If either of those had been scored by the likes of Ronaldo, then they would be lauded for weeks on end – they were that special.
“But we never like to make things easy for ourselves and we gave away a cheap penalty to let Bournemouth back in it.
“That meant we had to deal with plenty of balls into the box during the closing stages, but the lads were resolute.
“It might have been a more comfortable result, as Sam Woodward – who has just returned from England Colleges duty – came off the bench and forced a fine fingertip save from their keeper.”
Pompey: Hall; Wakley, Saidy, Widdrington; Haitham, May, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Scutt, McDowell; Joseph-Buadi, Bradbury (Woodward 72)