Pompey Academy picked up their first league win in the EFL Youth Alliance SW to maintain their unbeaten start to the season as they won 4-2 at Bristol Rovers.

Harvey Bradbury set up Jez Bedford to open the scoring before Kyle McDowell crossed for Theo Widdrington to head home.

Tommy Scutt’s shot was then diverted in by Harvey Bradbury to put the Blues’ in a commanding 3-0 lead at the break.

Bristol Rovers grabbed two goals back in the second half, but the Blues’ sealed the win with Tommy Scutt scoring from the penalty spot after Theo Widdrington had been fouled in the box.

Academy coach Mikey Harris told the club website:

“It was a textbook break for our first goal, with Harvey heading clear from their corner and then getting up the pitch to set-up Jez.

I was pleased with Kyle’s contribution for the second because he’s been working on his crossing, while Theo has been prolific of late.

There was a bit of controversy about our third because Tommy hit it and it got the faintest of touches off Harvey.

They were arguing over whose goal it was, but Harvey got the final touch so I suppose it’s his – and Tommy got one later.

We almost went four up early in the second half, as Harvey hit the underside of the bar and it bounced back out.

Bristol Rovers then went straight up the other end and we conceded a penalty. I’ve got no complaints about that because it was a clear push by Ousman Saidy.

We didn’t lose our composure and still created chances, but then we got hit on the break again.

At that point you start to think that we’ve given ourselves a problem, although the lads stuck at it and our performance levels didn’t drop.

Theo was brought down unceremoniously for our penalty and Tommy stepped up to slot it away and put the win beyond doubt.

We’re happy to come away with a positive result and are improving every game. The lads need to keep on doing that and find some more consistency.”

Meanwhile, the Pompey Academy U16’s defeated Bristol Rovers U16’s by a goal to nil.

Some of the U18’s squad are set to feature for Pompey in the Premier League Cup against Southend Utd on Monday 22nd August. The match is being played at West Leigh Park, Havant & Waterlooville with a 7pm KO. Entry is £5.

The U18’s are back at Furze Lane on Saturday 27th August when they face Yeovil Town in the league. 11am KO.

Pompey Academy: Hall; Chandler (Casey 55), Saidy, Wakley, McDowell; Read, Widdrington, Scutt; Bedford, Bradbury, Woodward (Smith 60)