Academy Win At Sutton - Elliott Simpson and Sam Folarin on target in Merit League success. please log in to view this image Pompey Academy enjoyed a 2-0 win at Sutton to record their first victory of the Merit League One campaign. It was goalless at the interval, but a superb long-range strike from midfielder Elliott Simpson (pictured) broke the deadlock in the second half. And the Blues made sure of all three points when Sam Folarin converted a Harvey Laidlaw corner at the back post. Assistant professional development phase coach Sam Hudson said: “We didn’t play particularly well overall, but the lads found a way to win and that was pleasing. “It was an outstanding strike from Elliott – a ‘Goal of the Season’ contender – and then a set-piece goal that we had practiced on the Thursday. “We scored from a corner when we beat Sutton in the cup earlier in the campaign and targeted the same space with similar runs. “There weren’t a lot of other positives for us to take, unlike the previous games against Luton and Plymouth, but we only took one point from them. “It was a bright start to be fair and the pre-match analysis we’d done proved to be spot on in terms of what we thought our opponents would do. “We needed to find ways to break them down and had a number of crosses early on, particularly through Harvey on the left. “There were 19 final third entries in the opening 20 minutes, but that led to zero goal threat and it’s an area that needs continued focus. “When we do our job defensively and earn the right to win through aggressive duelling and winning second balls, then we need to punish teams. “But we scored the two goals in the second half through good individual moments and then Sutton naturally reacted by getting numbers forward and using direct passes. “We dealt with that well for the most part and just needed to balance our own build-up at times, knowing when to play short and when to show more forward intent. “There’s a bit of tweaking needed on game management and while it’s certainly not one of our better displays this season, we’re happy with a first win and clean sheet in the Merit League. “That gives us something to build on ahead of what I’m sure will be another really tough test against Bournemouth next week.” Pompey: Malachi Osei-Owusu; Brian Quarm (Kevin Bosaka 78), Josh Dockerill, Jack Fox, Harvey Laidlaw; Koby Mottoh (Destiny Ojo 82), Mitch Aston, Elliott Simpson, Adam Payce; Maxwell Hurst (Jamie Howell 65), Sam Folarin
