Pompey Academy made it two wins from two in Merit League One after enjoying a 2-1 victory at Stevenage.
They took an early lead through Harry Clout’s clever finish, only for the home side to find an equaliser.
But Clout (pictured) struck again from the penalty spot following a foul on Harvey Laidlaw and that proved enough to secure all three points.
Lead professional development phase coach Sam Hudson said: “Both teams tried to play in the first half on a small pitch, so it became quite congested in the middle.
“We said beforehand that their best bet was probably to switch the play and look to exploit the wide areas, which we did quite well.
“Our wing-backs got some decent crosses in and we were able to find some really good momentum, causing plenty of threats.
“We scored an early goal after Reggie Buckland delivered a long ball and it was a nice disguised finish from Harry.
“With Tayo Singerr and Connor May running in behind, we had a few more chances, but Stevenage changed shape and looked to play over our press.
“They got an equaliser after a bit of a mix-up from us and the game started to swing a bit, while we had a goal disallowed for offside that looked like it should have counted.
"The most pleasing thing for me was the attitude of the second years because it’s been quite a tough week for them."
“But we were then awarded a penalty just before the break following a foul on Harvey and Harry stepped up to convert it.
“It was a different game in the second half because Stevenage went extremely direct and it became a case of getting those first contacts, winning second balls and duels.
“They were a big and physical team, which led to a few chances, including from a couple of misjudged decisions from us.
“There was one that we cleared from the line and other moments when we had to really work hard to defend our box.
“Ultimately, we came through it, although I would like to have seen a bit more control from us in possession.
“We were trying to match what Stevenage were doing – which isn’t our strength and certainly wasn’t the plan.
“The most pleasing thing for me was the attitude of the second years because it’s been quite a tough week for them.
“They got their decisions from us regarding the future, but still produced a lot of effort and commitment. They can all be proud of that and hold their heads high.”
Pompey: Osei-Owusu; Martin, Bosaka, Buckland; Quarm, Aston, Staight (Keteku 75), Laidlaw; Clout, May, Singerr (Hurst 67)
