Portsmouth Academy miss out on cup final in tough semi-final battle defeat
Portsmouth Academy have bowed out for the season at the Portsmouth Cup’s semi-final stage, in what is many players’ final match for the club.
As reported on the club’s official website, the Blues went down 1-0 against Gosport Borough at the AEI Stadium, with Boro’ now preparing to face Royal Navy FC in the final of the local Under-18 competition.
Both clubs fielded youthful sides with U16 players involved, whilst for the second-year Blues scholars, the defeat confirms the end of the scholarships.
Pompey had reached the semi-final stage by overcoming another Gosport outfit, Fleetlands, on penalties following a 2-2 quarter-final draw last week.
Portsmouth Academy bring curtain down on season
Lead coach Sam Hudson praised Gosport’s ability to take their best chance when Max Blake fired in the winner, admitting his side had to be more “ruthless”.
Hudson rued the way Pompey did not capitalise on “50 entries in the final third”, to Gosport’s six.
He did however praise the men in yellow and gave a nod to the second-year scholars departing: “That was the last game for our second years and they’re now all leaving us, so it’s a disappointing one to end on, but well done to Gosport for reaching the final.”
Portsmouth’s younger scholars will now make the step up as they continue their development, with the club actively seeking young professional players having released a clutch of their youthful talent – along with 10 first-teamers.
Pompey’s Under-18s performed relatively well during 2023-24, finishing third in Group D of the Youth Alliance League and coming fourth in the Merit League.
In other Portsmouth news, the Championship fixture release date has been confirmed.
For more Portsmouth news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.