Pompey Academy continued their fine start to the Youth Alliance League season with a 3-1 victory at Bristol Rovers.
Alfie Stanley (pictured) opened the scoring, collecting Ethan Robb’s pass over the defence, rounding the keeper and slotting the ball home.
And the same duo combined again midway through the first half, with Stanley again finishing neatly to double the advantage.
But Kieran Phillips struck before the break to reduce the hosts’ deficit and they started the second half brightly.
Pompey wrapped things up with another ball over the top, however, as Gerard Storey teed-up Harrison Brook to fire past the keeper.
Academy manager Mark Kelly said: “We had good control of the game in the first half, playing some neat football and working the ball around the pitch.
“Our opponents had a high line and we scored twice through balls over the defence, with a couple of nice finishes from Alfie.
"I applaud the boys for the win, while there are things to take on board and try to improve."
“We looked solid enough, but then conceded a really soft goal that started from a throw. We’ve spoken before to the boys about not switching off from those static areas, so it was frustrating.
“Our defending in the second half was a bit deep and we could have got tighter to Bristol Rovers, who were clearly lifted from their goal.
“Some of our decision making at times was poor, as was the defending – as a group, not just from the back three.
“But Harrison ran in behind again to score about 20 minutes from the end and we were able to see the game out from that point.
“We were strong enough to create some more chances that should have been put away, with Alfie having an opportunity to complete a hat-trick.
“I was a little bit disappointed with some aspects of our play and we lost a bit of control. I applaud the boys for the win, while there are things to take on board and try to improve.”
Pompey: Pitman; Kavanagh, Robb, Kelly; Brook, Rew, Storey, Lee, Teggart; Stanley, Anderson (Bell 59)
Subs not used: Garrett, Sims