Pompey’s pre-season progress has stepped up a gear over the past week.
Rather than jetting off abroad for a training camp, this year the squad remained closer to home by visiting Five Lakes Resort in Essex.
Their time there was capped off with an opening friendly contest against Norwich’s talented under-23 side.
And fine free-kicks from Lee Brown and Ronan Curtis in the first half ensured they enjoyed a 2-0 victory.
Kenny Jackett used a different side in each half and was pleased with the opportunity to work away from their usual Copnor base.
The Blues boss said: “It has been a really constructive week for us and we’ve got a lot out of our time here.
"You are constantly looking to try to improve on and off the ball, as well as your organisation and spirit on top of that."
“The sessions we’ve done and the fitness work in the afternoons have been very good – capped off with our first pre-season game.
“It was good to see our boys back and getting into the groove of things very quickly in the first half – and then a mix of youth and experience in the second.
“You are constantly looking to try to improve on and off the ball, as well as your organisation and spirit on top of that.
“And you are also aiming to build a winning mentality, some cohesion and match fitness as you build towards the first game of the season.
“It was a pretty good performance for us against Norwich and both sides had a lot of players on show.
“There were some familiar faces for us and a sprinkling in the second half of some younger boys. It’s nice to see them get an opportunity.”
🔵 Kicking off pre-season with a victory#Pompey pic.twitter.com/zZdF8u1Qoa
— Portsmouth FC (@Pompey) August 15, 2020