Pompey Reserves got their latest Central League Cup campaign underway with a narrow home defeat to Bournemouth.
But Liam Daish was pleased with the efforts of his team in the group stage contest, which was held at Bognor’s Nyewood Lane.
They created plenty of openings, but were undone by a quick Jaidon Anthony brace at the start of the second half.
Bradley Lethbridge reduced the deficit and although an equaliser never arrived, Daish felt there were plenty of positives.
Pompey’s professional development phase coach said: “We started the game really well and made some good decisions – it was really all about how we began each half.
“The first few minutes of the second period were a bit slow, although our lads stuck at it even after going 2-0 down.
“If the game had carried on for another 10 minutes then I think we might have even managed to nick an equaliser.
"The lads worked hard together as a team and fought back to stay in the game right until the very last kick."
“They were all brave and wanted to get on the ball. They were committed and didn’t let the disappointment last too long.
“We had a young side – Harrison Brook was excellent and he’s only 16. We created a lot of chances and I was pleased overall.
“There were a couple of times when our execution of that final pass let us down a bit, but that composure will come with more experience.
“We really opened Bournemouth up at times and just needed a better contact because the final shot perhaps needed more of a sting.
“The lads worked hard together as a team and fought back to stay in the game right until the very last kick.
“It was a good learning process for the players, who are mainly playing under-18s football and the physicality is different. It’s a useful experience for them.”