Late leveller denies Blues win
Pompey Academy had to settle for a draw at Bournemouth after conceding an equaliser in the fourth minute of stoppage-time.
Tommy Scutt flashed a shot narrowly wide for the visitors in the opening stages, while a Theo Widdrington cross just failed to find the head of Harvey Bradbury.
But Nick Hall then had to make a fine double save to ensure that the Blues went in level at the interval.
There were chances at both ends of the pitch when the action got back underway, but it was Pompey who broke the deadlock just past the hour mark.
Widdrington intercepted the ball and found Jez Bedford (pictured), who burst forward and placed a neat shot into the top corner.
The Cherries started to apply some pressure, but almost fell further behind, with Bradley Lethbridge’s low drive tipped past the post.
With just seconds remaining, however, Ryan Glover converted a cross from the right to level for Bournemouth and ensure a share of the spoils.
Academy coach Mikey Harris said: “It was a really competitive – and enjoyable – game of football between two teams playing different systems.
“They caused us problems with their shape and vice versa, with opportunities arriving at both ends of the pitch.
“We went a goal up with a fine finish after some high pressing, but it had been a fairly even contest up until that point.
“Then we defended fantastically for about 25 minutes, although we needed to do that for 30 minutes and conceded with the last kick of the game.
“But I was pleased with the overall performance, even if the lads are naturally disappointed with the outcome.”
Pompey: Hall; Chandler (Dandy 76), Saidy, Wakley (c), McDowell; Scutt (Read 76), Widdrington; Bedford, Woodward, Mayes (Smith 79); Bradbury (Lethbridge 61)
Sub not used: Collins