Pompey got their Merit League campaign off to the perfect start with a comfortable 3-0 win at Stevenage.
There were just a few seconds on the clock when one of the visitors’ three trialists opened the scoring.
And the advantage was doubled before the break, as Alfie Bridgman (pictured) got down the left and calmly finished.
The same trialist then extended Pompey’s lead in the second half and there were opportunities to make the scoreline even more emphatic.
Professional development phase coach Liam Daish said: “We got off to an excellent start and scored our first goal in the opening minute.
“Alfie then did great down the left to put us further ahead. Despite playing as a wing-back, he showed great composure and execution.
"It’s been a difficult couple of weeks, but they simplified their game and weren’t as dependent on the coaches."
“We were really positive and made good decisions in possession, while they also looked a lot stronger against the ball and defended well in 1v1 situations.
“The lads were much calmer in all areas of the pitch and took on real ownership. I was delighted with their attitude and we told them that at the break.
“It’s been a difficult couple of weeks, but they simplified their game and weren’t as dependent on the coaches.
“We’re there to guide them, not spoon-feed them and they took the responsibility of working things out for themselves. They took that on board and implemented it.
“We then got the third goal in the second half and also kept a clean sheet, so they deserve plenty of credit.”
Pompey: Steward; Kaba, J.Fox, Laidlaw (Traynor 86); Trialist 1 (Hurst 80), Jewitt-White, Simpson (Aston 71), Trialist 2 (Bosaka 86), Bridgman; Howell, Trialist 3