Pompey Academy continued their good form in 2019 with a 3-2 victory over Plymouth at Langsford Park.
They roared into a three-goal lead, but a sending off and Argyle fightback ensured a finale that was more nervous than it might have been.
The Blues netted twice just before the break, with James Whiting running to the edge of the box and firing into the bottom corner.
Then, moments later, Bradley Lethbridge (pictured) collected a Freddie Read pass, took a couple of touches and bent the ball home.
And the lead was increased further early in the second half, with Lethbridge arriving in the area to convert Leon Maloney’s delivery.
But Rio Garside and Adam Randell reduced the hosts’ deficit and Pompey were reduced to 10 men when Joe Hancott was dismissed for a second bookable offence.
The Blues recovered, though, and finished the game strongly, while Klaidi Lolos also saw red for the Pilgrims.
Academy manager Mark Kelly said: “We had good control of the match for long periods and managed to get ourselves into a commanding lead.
“But we had a 10-minute mad spell that allowed Plymouth back into the game – even if their first goal was offside and their linesman didn’t keep up with the play.
"It was pleasing overall, but there was just that little spell when things went awry from what was a very comfortable position."
“There was a little bit of pressure on us with long balls hit into dangerous areas and it was a mistake for the second we conceded, with Freddie’s pass intercepted.
“But then we took control again. Eoin Teggart had one effort well saved and hit another shot wide, while Alfie Stanley took too many touches and couldn’t hit the target.
“It was pleasing overall, but there was just that little spell when things went awry from what was a very comfortable position.
“We got the result we wanted and it’s just about keeping concentration levels high and maintaining our standards for the full 90 minutes.”
Pompey: Durin; Kavanagh (Bruce 60), Robb, Hancott, Kelly; Whiting, Read; Johnston (Bridgman 71), Maloney, Flint (Teggart 60); Lethbridge (Stanley 83)