Saidy and Bradbury on target for Blues
Pompey Academy knocked Exeter off the top of the Youth Alliance table with a 3-1 victory at Furze Lane.
They broke the deadlock on 30 minutes when Theo Widdrington’s free-kick found Ousman Saidy (pictured), who emphatically headed home from close range.
And the Blues doubled their advantage early in the second half, with Widdrington again the provider.
He received a long throw from Kyle McDowell and delivered a low cross-shot that Harvey Bradbury steered in at the back post.
The same duo combined again just past the hour mark, with Bradbury racing onto a long ball over the top and neatly lobbing the onrushing keeper.
It was not a one-sided contest, however, and the Grecians deservedly grabbed a late consolation through Cameron Hargreaves.
Academy coach Mikey Harris said: “I don’t look at the league table too much, but you could see why Exeter were at the top.
“They have technical players, pass the ball around well and played their part in a very entertaining contest.
“We went in front through another set-piece and I was pleased for Obi (Saidy) because he’s been working on getting on the end of crosses in training.
“Harvey was in the right place to double the lead and, with Exeter playing a high line, he was then able to lob in the third following a nice pass over the defence from Theo.
“We made a lot of changes after that, taking advantage of the new rules that say we can use all of our five substitutes.
“It’s important to give game time to all of the lads, although it did mean our performance became slightly disjointed.
“That allowed Exeter to get a goal back – which they deserved – and they put us under a bit of pressure towards the end, but we stayed strong to secure the points.”
Pompey: Hall (Collins 77); Chandler (Brooks 65), Saidy (Read 79), Wakley, McDowell; Woodward, Scutt, Widdrington, Bedford (Smith 57); Mayes (Casey 69), Bradbury
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