Pompey Academy began the new Youth Alliance League season by battling from behind to draw 1-1 with Newport at Copnor Road. The visitors took the lead from a free-kick, but Spencer Spurway then converted a corner to ensure the Blues would claim a point. Professional development phase coach Liam Daish said: “We haven’t had the perfect pre-season period and were only able to play one friendly. That showed a little bit in our performance. “The boys are fully fit, but just lacking that little bit of match sharpness, which should come over the next few weeks. “We needed this game to get back into the swing of things and took some time to get going, falling behind after conceding a poor free-kick. “But we finished the first half strongly and some good build-up play saw Harvey Hughes win a corner that Spencer put away. “He more than redeemed himself with that finish after getting caught out slightly for Newport’s goal. “We played higher up the pitch after the break and asked a lot more questions of our opponents. We found ourselves in good areas and were just lacking that final ball in the attacking third. “The lads tired towards the end – which was only to be expected – but they stuck at it and kept trying to do the right things. “It was a competitive match and although we didn’t win, there were plenty of things that we can build on.” Pompey: Connor Manderson, Jamie Howell, Josh Dockerill, Spencer Spurway, Fox, Harvey Hughes, Simpson, Adam Payce, Alfie Bridgman (Aston 21), Dan Gifford (Williams 60), Trialist
