Premier League Cup stalemate in Norfolk
Pompey Reserves picked up a creditable point at Norwich in their first Premier League Cup group stage fixture.
And but for an inspired display by goalkeeper Ben Killip, they might have left Carrow Road with all three.
The visitors dominated the first half, with Harvey Bradbury and Theo Widdrington both denied by superb saves.
Unfortunately, the latter was forced off with a knee problem before the interval, while Jez Bedford’s facial injury meant that he also failed to return for the second half.
Norwich improved following the restart and Benny Ashley-Seal saw his effort hit the crossbar, while Alex Bass kept out shots from Glenn Middleton and Todd Cantwell.
But the Blues were still threatening at the other end, with Killip saving Calvin Davies’ strike and Kyle McDowell twice seeing the ball fly narrowly wide.
Diallang Jaiyesimi also hit the woodwork for the Canaries late on, but defeat would have been harsh on the visitors, who host Wolves in their next game.
Coach Mikey Harris said: “I’m delighted with the performance of the boys against a really strong team.
“It was always going to be tough for a young side visiting Carrow Road, with our opponents going into the game off the back of a good win at Fulham on Monday night.
“But we had the better chances in the first half. Norwich improved after the break as expected, although we still had opportunities of our own.
“If you had to pick a man-of-the-match then I think most of those inside the ground would choose their goalkeeper and we certainly made him work.
“It was pleasing to keep a clean sheet and the work-rate was fantastic. We looked good on the ball and solid when we had to defend.
“The only frustrating thing is that, on another day, we might have come away with all three points.”
Norwich: Killip (c), Efete, Odusina, Crowe, Ramsay, Middleton, Grant, Adams (McIntosh 62), Cantwell (Aransibia 90), Ashley-Seal, Jaiyesimi
Subs not used: Hallett, Wallis, Aarons
Pompey: Bass; Buxton, Whatmough (c), Hyam, Haunstrup; Oxlade-Chamberlain, May; Davies, Widdrington (Woodward 37), Bedford (McDowell 46); Bradbury
Subs not used: Hall, Wakley, Saidy, Scutt