Pompey Academy eased into the second round of the FA Youth Cup with a 5-1 victory over Hereford at Fratton Park.
Alfie Stanley (pictured) continued his impressive start to the season with a brace, while Harry Anderson, Harrison Brook and Seokjae Lee also found the target.
They started brightly and Brook’s early effort was well saved by Iwan Hooper, but it was only a brief respite for the visitors.
It was ANDERSON who broke the deadlock on nine minutes, with the striker firing the ball into the top corner.
Leon Pitman denied Callum Wood at the other end, while Stan Bridgman’s effort then flew narrowly over the crossbar.
But the prolific STANLEY ensured the Blues had a stronger lead at the break after converting a cross from Harry Kavanagh.
Half Time: Pompey 2 Hereford 0
Eoin Teggart almost added a third seconds after the interval, but his fierce effort struck the woodwork.
Kavanagh did find the net, only for the referee to disallow it for a foul, and the hosts had to wait until just past the hour mark to score again.
It was BROOK who took the plaudits with an absolute screamer from outside the box that left Hooper with no chance.
And Pompey’s passage to the next round was secured a few minutes later, with STANLEY slotting the ball home.
Hooper made a couple of decent saves to limit the damage and Hereford reduced their deficit with a fine free-kick from Rob Whitlock.
The hosts were pouring forward in search of more goals, though, and Charlie Bell was twice denied by fine saves, while Alfie Bridgman shot narrowly past the post.
It was substitute LEE who finally wrapped things up with five minutes remaining after being teed-up by Brook.
Academy manager Mark Kelly said: “We were okay in the first half and got a couple of goals, but were playing to our opponents’ tempo.
"Progress is important and we’re pleased to be in the next round, but it’s important that we’re disciplined from the start."
“We were perhaps a little too comfortable and needed raise the bar a bit, so we spoke to the lads about that at the break.
“It was pleasing to see that we performed a lot better in the second half and really took control of the game.
“The boys worked hard and there was a big improvement in our movement off the ball. There was some really good football being played.
“Our play was much more creative and clever and, if I’m being critical, we really should have scored more goals.
“Progress is important and we’re pleased to be in the next round, but it’s important that we’re disciplined from the start and maintain our usual high standards.”
Pompey: Pitman; Kavanagh (c), Robb, Rew, Kelly; Teggart (A.Bridgman 77), S.Bridgman, Storey (Bell 62), Brook; Anderson (Lee 64), Stanley
Subs not used: Garrett, Gifford
Pompey will travel to the winner of Wednesday evening’s match between Cheltenham and Eastleigh in the second round.