Youthful Blues side beaten at Bristol City
Pompey Reserves exited the Central League Cup with a semi-final defeat at Bristol City.
A youthful Blues side were beaten 3-1 by their more experienced opponents at the hosts’ training ground.
The Robins took the lead in the second half when Brandon Haunstrup was harshly adjudged to have handled Jake Andrews’ cross and Diego De Girolamo stepped up to score from the spot.
De Girolamo then embarked on a fine run past three defenders before teeing-up Freddie Hinds to double their advantage.
Pompey did manage to reduce the deficit late on, with Harvey Bradbury converting a low cross from Calvin Davies.
But there was still time for Bristol City to make sure of their progress to the southern final, as Hinds slotted home.
Coach Mikey Harris said: “I was delighted with the performance, despite the result. We dominated on the ball and created numerous chances, but unfortunately couldn’t take more of them.
“Bristol City took the lead through an extremely soft penalty and that proved to be the turning point in the game.
“We reacted well, but fell further behind against the run of play before getting the goal that we deserved.
“Then we had a stonewall penalty for a foul on Christian Oxlade-Chamberlain turned down and if that had been awarded, it might have been a different story.
“We committed men forward in search of an equaliser, but got caught on the break and City scored to finish it off.
“The scoreline didn’t really reflect how we played and it was an attractive game between two good sides on an excellent pitch.
“They were much more experienced than us, but those are the kind of matches that you want young players to be involved in.”
Pompey: Bass; C.Davies, Saidy, Wakley, Haunstrup (c); Widdrington, Oxlade-Chamberlain; Scutt, Woodward, Bedford (Mayes 78); Bradbury
Sub not used: Collins