Goals from Leeds’ Sam Greenwood, Manchester City’s James McAtee and Blackburn’s Tyryhs Dolan secured the win for the Young Lions.
It has been revealed that the Blues boss travelled to Colchester to watch Andy Edwards’ side as part of his summer scouting mission.
Cowley was at the game to eye potential loans from Premier League outfits who could have an impact similar to Gavin Bazunu.
The break enabled the former Lincoln boss to step up his scouting roles with a host of games on his busy schedule.
We’ve taken a look at the Young Lions to see who the players who could arrive at Pompey moving forward.
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5. Nathan Wood
The right-footed centre half has struggled for game time at Middlesborough this term along with a disappointing loan spell with Hibs. The 19-year-old’s stay at Easter Road was prematurely cut short in December after making just one outing but since his return has only appeared once for Boro. With the Blues looking for a right-footed central defender, the under-20's captain might be the perfect option with his game time at the Riverside currently coming at a premium. Photo: Julian Finney
6. Clinton Mola
The midfielder is currently at German side Stuttgart after moving from Chelsea in 2020. Mola penned a four-year deal at the Mercedes-Benz Arena but has currently found game time coming at a minimum. The 20-year-old has made only three appearances in the Bundesliga this term, all of which have come from the bench, and might be considering a loan move away. Photo: Thomas Niedermueller
7. James McAtee
The 19-year-old hot shot has been in scintillating form for Manchester City’s youngsters this season, scoring 22 goals in 24 appearances. The attacking midfielder has been rewarded with six appearances for first team, all of which came from the bench. After Bazunu’s successful development under Cowley, the City hierarchy could see Pompey as a viable option to further McAtee’s development into first team football. Photo: OLI SCARFF
8. Daniel Neil
The centre midfielder has appeared 42 times in all competitions for Sunderland so far this season, finding the net on three occasions. The 20-year-old's fine performances have seen his stock rise with Aston Villa, Leeds and Middlesbrough all keeping tabs on the Black Cats academy graduate. Photo: Stu Forster