Portsmouth Academy secure penalties win to reach cup semi-finals
Portsmouth Academy are into the last four of the Portsmouth Cup, having beaten Gosport side Fleetlands on penalties following a 2-2 draw.
As reported on the Portsmouth FC official website, Reggie Buckland and Harvey Laidlaw’s goals in regulation time took the tie to spot-kicks, before Oscar Glover’s two saves helped Pompey over the line in the shootout.
This comes after the Blues overcame Luton Town in their final home league match of the season, before this week’s trip to Plymouth Argyle.
A side partially comprised of 15-year-olds were up to the task, and return across to PO12 on Thursday night for the semi-final at Gosport Borough, where youngster Toby Steward has excelled on loan this campaign.
The winners face The Royal Navy FC in the final of the local competition.
Portsmouth Academy boss happy to edge through
Pompey’s lead professional development phase coach, Sam Hudson, was pleased to have got over the line, and told portsmouthfc.co.uk: “The first 45 minutes was really good and it was just disappointing that one shot from a set-piece has seen us concede.
“But we had a lot of the ball and once we found some rhythm, we were able to start breaking them down.
“A few chances were created and we got two goals, while there were some other really positive moments from us. So we didn’t really have to tweak anything at the break – it was more about just advising the boys to find those pockets of space.
“There was some naivety in terms of managing the momentum and there was also a lack of leadership at times because the under-16 boys needed a bit of advice.
“Fair play to Fleetlands for getting back into the game and they thoroughly deserved to take the tie to penalties.
“Oscar has made a couple of saves to send us through and we’re pleased that a place in a cup final is now up for grabs. It will be another game against men at Gosport and that’s welcome, but a lot of questions can be asked about that performance in the second half.”
In other Portsmouth news, the club are interested in signing a Premier League youngster.
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