Dan Smith netted four goals as Pompey Academy inflicted a 6-0 defeat on Bristol Rovers at Furze Lane.
But it was skipper Matt Mayes who opened the scoring midway through the first half after converting Joe Hancott’s cross.
The advantage was soon doubled, as Bradley Lethbridge fired home when Harry Kavanagh’s delivery could only be partially cleared.
Smith (pictured) then took charge and, after being brought down the box, scored a third goal from the penalty spot before the break.
Pompey were not done yet, however, and Smith found the target again when a clearance ricocheted off him and into the net.
He completed his hat-trick just past the hour mark, meeting Josh Flint’s corner with a calm right-footed effort into the net.
Smith then wrapped up a convincing victory, keeping his composure to find the target after being sent through on goal.
Academy manager Mark Kelly said: “There have been a few occasions this season when we’ve flitted in and out of matches.
"We played with a front four and had been trying out different patterns during the week."
“So we’ve been working hard in training on starting games better and gaining more control. We want to really get a grip on them.
“I was pleased to see that the boys took everything we’ve told them on board and put that into practice on the pitch.
“Dan worked very hard, showed some clinical finishing and deserved his four goals. We’re really pleased for him.
“We played with a front four and had been trying out different patterns during the week, so we could get into areas where they could really pose a threat.
“It’s a big week ahead and some of our players are sure to be involved in the reserve match against Barnsley on Wednesday.
“We’ve then got Cheltenham in the league on Saturday before the FA Youth Cup tie against Leicester, so there’s a lot of work for the boys in the run-up to Christmas.”
Pompey: Collins; Kavanagh, Casey, Dandy, Hancott; Whiting, Maloney (Johnston 53), Brooks (Flint 62); Smith, Mayes (c) (Read 66), Lethbridge
Sub not used: Birchnall
It was also a positive day for Pompey’s under-16 side, who ran out 5-0 winners against the same opponents.