Pompey Academy were beaten 2-1 by Bournemouth in their opening Professional Development League Cup Group A fixture. Kash Kasykumya struck twice in the first half at Copnor Road before Harry Clout teed-up Connor May to reduce the hosts’ deficit. The Blues have further group matches against Cardiff and Swindon in the competition, which is primarily for category two academies. Lead professional development phase coach Sam Hudson said: “We were facing a strong side, but I still don’t think we laid enough of a glove on Bournemouth throughout the first half. “There was a lot of effort in the press and we regained the ball well in the final third, but our biggest problem was an inability to capitalise on that. “We were never able to gain any real control by keeping hold of possession and that was hampering us. “Bournemouth had three shots on target and went in two goals up at the break, while we had a glorious opportunity just before the break that wasn’t taken. “It’s the third game now at the start of the season when we haven’t taken our chances and if that goes in, we have a bit of momentum. “The challenge we gave the boys at the break was to be more aggressive and suddenly we started to look more positive and be on the front foot. “But while we were good in the first phase, we were still lacking something – it seems to be either fitness or desire. That’s something we have to work hard to fix quickly. “We got one goal back, as Harry dribbled through several players and the ball fell for Connor, who took his shot well. “Again, though, we couldn’t find that bite or energy needed to find an equaliser, despite it being a pretty even game. “Only one team in the group goes through automatically to the next stage, so it puts pressure on us to win the next two matches. “We wanted to enter this competition to come up against category two sides and the test is a good one because it shows us where we need to get better.” Pompey: Oscar Glover; Michael Ani, Aston Sizer, Reggie Buckland (Cody Howard 80), Ciaran Martin; Luke Staight, Fraser Thomas (Nathaniel Chioma 65), Chinedu Agu (Beau Mullins 84); Osifo, Tayo Singerr (Connor May 42), Harry Clout
