Match Day Thread Newport 2 v 3 Pompey - Academy League Match

Pompey Academy made it three victories in a row with a 3-2 Youth Alliance League success at Newport.

They took the lead in Wales when Koby Mottoh was found by a perfectly weighted Harvey Laidlaw pass and volleyed home.

Jamie Howell then unselfishly teed-up Adam Payce for an instinctive finish that doubled the Blues’ advantage.

The hosts reduced their deficit from the penalty spot, only for a Laidlaw cross to deceive the keeper and find the net.

County struck again to ensure a nervy finale, but Pompey saw out the closing stages to hold on to all three points.

Lead professional development phase coach Zesh Rehman said: “I’m really proud of how the players displayed our academy values.

“They showed passion to fight for every ball and were honest with their work-rate to out-run Newport.

“The first two goals demonstrated some of our key ‘in possession’ principles of supporting the ball to move away from pressure and being brave to play forward.

“Brian Quarm played a diagonal pass to Harvey, who found Koby with a ball over the top and he finished with an outstanding volley.

“The second goal came after Adam combined superbly with Jamie, who worked incredibly hard for the team and was a constant threat throughout.

“A soft penalty allowed our opponents back into the game, but an inswinging cross from Harvey bounced in the corner.

“And although we conceded again late on, the players showed great pride to dig deep and grind out the win.

“Kevin Bosaka made a goal-line clearance right at the death to ensure that we grabbed all three points.

“On and off the pitch, all the second years led by example and the substitutes positively impact the game again, highlighting that we are stronger together.

“It was valuable learning curve for the players and they showed psychological flexibility to diffuse any adverse decisions and remain fully committed to the plan.

“They have not cut any corners in training and are getting their rewards. We are all pulling together to create a self-determined culture.”

Pompey: Malachi Osei-Owusu; Kevin Bosaka, Jack Fox, Harvey Laidlaw; Brian Quarm, Elliott Simpson (Daniel Murray 60), Mitch Aston (Maxwell Hurst 71),Gabriel Kamavuako (Simon Spurway 60); Adam Payce, Jamie Howell, Koby Mottoh