Pompey Academy progressed to the quarter-finals of the Portsmouth Divisional FA Cup with a 4-0 victory over the Royal Navy at HMS Temeraire. They struggled to turn their possession into clear-cut chances in the first half, although a long-range Ciaran Martin strike was beaten away. But Brandon Downey finally managed to break the deadlock on 38 minutes, working his way into a shooting position on the edge of the box before smashing the ball home. And the Blues showed a more clinical edge after the break, with Julian Korsah advancing down the left and sending in a low cross for Dane Bailey to convert from close range. Nathaniel Chioma increased the advantage in some style just past the hour mark, courtesy of a thumping shot that flew into the top corner. Downey then completed the scoring on 71 minutes, bending a free-kick into the net after being fouled just outside the area. Lead professional development phase coach Sam Hudson said: “We had a lot of the ball in the first half, but probably didn’t create as much as we would have liked. “There wasn’t enough from us through the middle and the message at the break was to be a bit more patient to draw our opponents out. “We were really positive and on the front foot from that point and there was plenty of good forward play to get our second, third and fourth goals. “That professionalism to keep going is what we ask from the boys and it was pleasing to see, although we probably could have scored more because there were a lot of crosses we couldn’t get on the end of. “Clean sheets have been few and far between for us this season, so that was another positive – both in terms of how we defended their set-pieces and also how we pressed. “Overall, it was a very good night for us and we’re obviously delighted to be in the next round of the competition.” Pompey: Oscar Glover (c); Beau Mullins, George Wilson (Michael Ani 46), Ashton Sizer, Ciaran Martin; Brandon Downey, Reggie Buckland, Nathaniel Chioma; Julian Korsah (Elisha Pfupa 66), Dane Bailey, Jermaine Osifo Sub not used: Conal McDermott
