It was a scoreline that reflected harshly on Pompey’s youthful side.
But their pre-sesason friendly at National League outfit Aldershot was a lot closer than the 4-0 defeat suggested.
All of the goals arrived in the final 10 minutes of the contest, with Shamir Mullings, Alfy Whittingham, Jacob Berkeley-Agyepong and Sam Chislett all finding the target.
The Blues had competed manfully up until that point, despite Alex Bass and Matt Casey being the only first team players on show.
And Liam Daish was pleased with his side’s overall performance, while insisting they will learn from the closing stages.
Pompey’s development phase coach said: “There were maybe a few tired legs and a lack of concentration, but overall the application was excellent.
“We had some 16-year-olds out on the pitch – players who have really just started their footballing journey.
“They were up against a National League side and the learning experience will have been invaluable for them.
"Some of these lads were in their school holidays at this time last year and so it’s a big change for them."
“We went toe-to-toe with Aldershot for most of the game and just switched off right at the end, which cost us.
“But some of these lads were in their school holidays at this time last year and so it’s a big change for them.
“We looked pretty strong in stages of the game and there was just that little bit of inexperience you’re going to get with kids.
“They’re good, honest lads who want to learn and looked fairly disciplined against a team of men for 80 minutes.
“There’s a lot of development still to come from them and we’re still gauging where they are in terms of strength and fitness.
“It’s just about getting everyone the right amount of minutes and making sure players come out of pre-season feeling fit and injury-free.”