Portsmouth’s young guns shine in place of senior Blues at Farnborough

The youthful Blues took their chance to shine at Cherrywood Road, as they stepped up in the absence of John Mousinho’s men.

It was billed as a first-team fixture in north Hampshire, but a change in schedule for Mousinho's side meant the youngsters were given their moment to impress - which they did.

Striker Kyran Sylvanus’ eye-catching strike was cancelled out by sub Mason Bloomfield’s close-range header after the restart.

But the academy youngsters topped up by a trio of first-year pros more than matched their senior opponents, arguably deserving a greater return for their efforts.

Pompey carved out a number of first-half openings and then maintained their efforts and concentration through to the whistle.

It was a fine start from Pompey’s youngsters which improved as the half wore on.

The home side were the first to threaten, however, as George Wilson lost the ball to Josh Parker who lobbed a long-range shot just over.

Chinedu Agu freed Dexter Lee in the 13th minute, but Lucas Thomas won their one-on-one duel.

Pompey’s pressure then grew with Nathaniel Chioma letting fly from 30 yards, but Thomas scrambled his effort around the post.

The young Blues deservedly took the lead in the 21st minute with a cross cleared as far as Sylvanus, who blitzed home an unstoppable drive.

Brandon Downey had a chance to double Pompey’s lead 11 minutes later as he was freed by Fraser Thomas, but the Farnborough keeper smothered his angled finish.

The chances continued for the visitors with Sylvanus miscuing a presentable chance at the back post from Downey’s cross, but the youthful side went in pleased with their efforts at the break.

Pompey introduced Max Hammond, Julian Korsah and Dane Bailey at the break and maintained their impetus.

Downey chopped the ball on to his right foot in the 58th minute but his shot was at Thomas.

The home side were level in the 65th minute with their physical superiority telling from a corner, as the sizable figure of Bloomfield headed home from close range.

Pompey responded well after another flurry of subs with Dane Bailey putting the ball through Renny Smith’s legs, before advancing and firing just wide from 25 yards.

Then Ethan Bell saved his side at the death with a super full-length stop to his right to keep out Smith’s 30-yard drive.

Pompey: Bell, Bare, Sizer, Wilson, Ani, Agu, Thomas, Sylvanus, Lee, Downey, Chioma.

Subs: Allen, Tregunna, Gillooly, Bailey, Connor, Phillipson, Hammond, Korsah, Pfupa.