Sam Folarin was on target as Pompey bounced back from a couple of cup exits to draw with Plymouth in the Youth Alliance League.
They fell behind early in the second half when Caleb Roberts nodded the ball over the line after Freddie Issaka’s header had bounced down off the bar.
But the leveller arrived on 69 minutes, as Folarin (pictured) got on the end of Harvey Laidlaw’s cross to head home.
Lead professional development phase coach Zesh Rehman said: “After a couple of disappointing results, it was important not to dwell on the past and shift the focus to the future.
“It is essential that the changing room remains united – it’s the most important place because it's where the team spirit and positive performances stem from.
“We are continually striving as staff to create an environment and culture that resembles the real world of football.
“So the objective before the fixture was to leave the boys with more energy than where we found them after the weekend.
“Spencer Spurway, Gabriel Kamavuako and Josh Dockerill showed courage by taking ownership of the team-talk and reminding the boys of the approach and game-plan.
“We were on top and had dangerous moments through Koby Mottoh, Adam Payce, Jamie Howell and Gabriel, but couldn’t find the finishing touch, while we restricted our opponents to no shots.
“Bastian Smith started between the sticks and was solid throughout. He has been out of the team recently, but invested in his gym programme and distribution, which was evident in his display.
“Dan Murray and Elliott Simpson were also very solid as ball winners and connecters for us in midfield.
"It is essential that the changing room remains united – it’s the most important place because it's where the team spirit and positive performances stem from."
“The defence worked well as a unit all through the game and should be the proud of the fact they have the second best record in our division.
“Elliott, Adam and Harvey led the team-talk confidently at the break, with other players also contributing.
“Plymouth then took the lead following a goalmouth scramble, but I liked how those from our leadership group reacted positively.
“They immediately got the ball back on the centre spot to restart the game and encouraged others with good body language.
“Our substitutes Sam and Maxwell Hurst made an impact as a front two, allowing us to mix things up with different crossing options.
“We levelled with a fluid team goal, building through the thirds before Adam managed to find Harvey out wide.
“He then sent a pinpoint delivery onto the head of Sam, who timed his run perfectly to head the ball home.
“It was a great reaction to starting on the bench by letting his football do the talking and controlling his aggression well.
“Mitch Aston and Kevin Bosaka were not involved in this game, but next time it could be others – that happens in the real world of football.
“The boys are learning to be accountable and take responsibility for the outcome by looking inwards first at their own individual contributions.
“I had some really good conversations with Richard Hughes recently about creating leaders. Certain types of players will be expected to lead, so it’s something to prioritise when profiling and recruiting.”
Pompey: Smith; Fox, Dockerill, Spurway; Mottoh, Simpson, Payce, Murray, Laidlaw; Kamavuako (Folarin 54), Howell (Hurst 70)