Danny Cowley was delighted to see his young players help Pompey close pre-season with a victory.
It was a mixed team that took to the pitch at The Hive to face National League opposition in the shape of Barnet.
They were leading in the final stages after goals from Harry Jewitt-White and Zak Swanson overturned Nicke Kabamba’s early opener.
Ryan De Havilland then levelled for the Bees with just a few minutes remaining, but there was still time for Dan Gifford to grab a late winner.
And Cowley felt that the teenage members of his side could be particularly proud of their efforts in the capital.
The Blues boss said: “It was a good way to end pre-season – and it’s been a gruelling period for the players.
“We were ever so young, particularly the team that finished, and you look at how far some of those lads have come.
"After missing the earlier chances, he could have passed the ball, but he’s got a single-mindedness and wants to score goals."
“They’ve faced a National League side and more than held their own, growing into the game. I really liked some of our movement in the second half.
“We were disappointed to concede so late and perhaps got a bit lazy in the moment – you can easily go under at that point.
“But we didn’t. We showed a good response and I was pleased for Dan because he might have had three or four and I’m not sure how he wasn’t given a couple of penalties.
“After missing the earlier chances, he could have passed the ball, but he’s got a single-mindedness and wants to score goals. Good forwards needs that ruthlessness.”
While the game was in progress it was announced that Alex Bass had left for Sunderland in a permanent deal.
Cowley said: “He’s a great kid with a fantastic attitude and an excellent work ethic. He’s extremely professional.
“It’s a good deal for the club and it’s a good deal for Alex. We wish him nothing but success moving forward in his career.”