Alfie Stanley netted twice from the spot as a youthful Pompey XI were held to a 2-2 draw by AFC Totton at the Snows Stadium.
The teenage striker kept his cool to twice fire the Blues into the lead, only for the hosts to hit back on each occasion.
Jack Whatmough and skipper Ben Close provided senior experience, while American keeper Duncan Turnbull started between the sticks.
There was a familiar face in the opposition ranks, with former Pompey academy midfielder Freddie Read featuring for Totton.
The young Blues started brightly in front of watching first team manager Kenny Jackett and took the lead on 12 minutes.
Harvey Rew threaded a pass through to Harrison Brook, who was brought down in the box by Mitchell Byrne
The referee pointed straight to the spot and STANLEY tucked away the penalty to break the deadlock.
A mix-up at the back almost lead to an equaliser, but Turnbull was able to gather and deny Hisham Kasimu.
There were half-chances at both ends, with trialist Mason Jones-Thomas firing over the bar for Pompey.
Rew also sent a long-range effort off target, while a free-kick from Close was unable to find a way through the wall.
And Totton were level five minutes before the break, as a volleyed effort from Brett Williams found the net.
That was the start of a hectic period at the end of the half, with the Blues soon retaking the lead – again from the spot.
This time it was Jones-Thomas who was fouled in the box and although Lewis Noice got a hand to the effort from STANLEY, there was enough power on the strike to find the net.
Stanley almost completed a hat-trick moments later, although his fierce low drive flew narrowly past the post.
Instead it was Totton who scored just before the break, with substitute Craig Feeney arriving at the back post to guide a cross home.
Half Time: AFC Totton 2 Pompey XI 2
An untimely Turnbull slip might have let Totton in once the action restarted, but the keeper recovered to prevent the Southern League side taking advantage.
"It was a real mixed group – from first year scholars through to Closey and Jack."
Brook then came close to restoring the Blues’ advantage at the other end, with his attempt deflected narrowly wide.
Both sides made a series of substitutions to take the sting out of the contest and a Seok Jae Lee shot lacked enough power to trouble the keeper.
Harry Anderson and Brook both tried to find a late winner for the visitors, but the sides ultimately settled for a draw.
Player development manager Mark Kelly said: “It was a real mixed group from first year scholars through to Closey and Jack.
“In the second half I felt we could have gone on to score a few more, but minutes are what count in pre-season.
“Alfie’s all about scoring goals and it’s what he loves doing – he’ll be delighted to put those two away.
“Harrison made some excellent runs and there were some good balls from Harvey to open Totton up.
“The salary cap might enhance some development because those homegrown under-21 players become that bit more important.
“But they have to go out and work hard every single day if they want to get into the first team at Pompey.”
Pompey: Turnbull (Pitman 71); Mnoga, Kaba (Cadman 55), Whatmough, Rew; Close (c), Storey (Jewitt-White 78); Jones-Thomas (Lee 55), Bell, Brook; Stanley (Anderson 71)