A stronger looking Pompey reserve side than we had seen recently, featuring several players with 1st team experience this season, picked up a point in a 2-2 draw with Fulham at Westleigh Park last night. The game also marked Jamie Ashdown’s return from a long-term injury.
Among the scorers was almost ‘forgotten man’ Pele, who struck from 25-yards, maybe offering a timely reminder that he is still here – take note those that will not play in the 2nd string!
This is the report from the Pompey site…
PLAY UP POMPEY!
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POMPEY RESERVES 2 FULHAM RESERVES 2
Two stunning Blues goals warmed up a cold night at Westleigh Park as Pompey shared the points with Fulham.
Andre Blackman and Pele scored either side of the break before a Michael Uwezu strike secured a draw for the visitors.
Blackman’s goal in first-half injury time crowned an eye-catching performance.
The left-back cut inside from the flank, looked up and curled a right-footed shot into the far top corner of the net beyond Fulham keeper Neil Etheridge.
Pele’s goal three minutes after the break was just as good, the midfielder receiving a pass from John Utaka and, with barely any back-lift, producing a vicious, dipping shot from 25 yards out that gave Etheridge no chance.
Pompey welcomed back Jamie Ashdown for his first taste of action this year following an ankle injury.
But the Blues keeper was powerless to stop Chris Smalling from giving Fulham the lead after 22 minutes when he rolled the ball into the net after Danny Hoesen’s shot had smacked against the bar.
With Linvoy Primus strong at the back, however, Pompey regained their composure and caused Fulham’s defence problems, with Paris Cowan-Hall having an effort beaten away after a move down the left involving Blackman and Pablo Navas Alors.
Fulham remained a threat even after going 2-1 down, and it took a burst of pace from Blackman to thwart Hoesen as he looked to capitalise on a ball over the top.
Ashdown’s handling impressed as he denied Hoesen and Michael Uwezu.
But he was beaten midway through the second half when Uwezu controlled a ball into the box with his back to goal before volleying home.
Utaka curled a free-kick just wide, but it was Blackman who nearly won it for Pompey in injury-time, swapping passes before forcing Etheridge to make an excellent low save.
Pompey: Ashdown; Pamarot, Wilkinson, Primus, Blackman; Cowan-Hall (Bogard, 46 mins), Pele (Kilbey, 63 mins), Mvuemba, Hughes, Navas Alors (Mantyla, 67 mins); Utaka.
Subs not used: O’Brien, Pack.
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