Gael force too much for the Terriers
A GAEL NLUNDULU strike was enough to move Pompey into the fourth round of the FA Youth Cup after a 1-0 win over Huddersfield last night.
The Blues youngsters made the most of the perfect pitch surface at Fratton Park with a team performance that was enough to seal progress.
While the final scoreline would suggest there was little to choose between the sides, had Academy supremo Paul Smalley's chosen XI made more of their creative play, then the goals would have flowed.
On a better day, striker Nadir Ciftci have got in on the act and been able to boast a hat-trick by the interval with better finishing.
But sadly for the flying Dutchman, after blasting a shot against the crossbar from distance, he twice made a mess of chances that fell nicely into his path, leaving Huddersfield keeper Lloyd Allinson to breathe a sigh of relief as his defence managed to clear the danger.
But to his credit, Ciftci got on with the task of breaking down a mean Huddersfield rearguard.
After letting fly with another missile that beat Allinson to rebound back into play off the crossbar on 50 minutes, he played a major part in Pompey's winner.
Taking a pass from Lennard Sowah into his path, Ciftci cut loose along the line and delivered an inch-perfect cross for Nlundulu to thunder a shot past Allinson from close range.
Having finally established a slender lead, Pompey went desperately close to seeing out the final third of the match with just 10 men after substitute Gautier Mahoto escaped with just a booking for a two-footed high challenge.
Mahoto went on to go desperately close to doubling the advantage late on with a shot from long distance.
'It was a very pleasing result that was hard-earned but nevertheless thoroughly deserved, said Smalley.
'And what is important for these young players is that it's very much part of their development, particularly as progressing in the competition throws up all sorts of hurdles that they need to deal with.
'I have the feeling my lads would like to meet Manchester United in the next round but for me it doesn't really matter who it is, though I would prefer to be the home side again as I feel the fans would continue the excellent support they gave us tonight.
'What pleased me was the team effort, everyone played their part and I couldn't have asked for more.'
Pompey Academy: O'Brien, Gregory, Sowah, Stockford (sub Mahoto 46), Ryan, Magri, Nlundulu (sub Jennings 84), Goddard, Ciftci (sub Alors 71), Walshe, Martin. Substitutes not used: Seeley, Harris.
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Weather for Portsmouth
Thursday 24 May 2012
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