New starlet scores on Pompey debut

DAN THOMPSON took little time to make an impression at Pompey as the club's new signing bagged the equaliser to earn the Academy a point in a 2-2 draw at Ipswich.

Thompson finalised his move from non-league club Hampton & Richmond only this morning.

The highly-rated striker, who was interesting the likes of Newcastle and Stoke, has agreed a scholarship deal at Pompey after impressing during a trial spell with the club and will go out on loan with the Hawks

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While the 18-year-old is unlikely to get a first-team shot in the near future, he showed why he is regarded as a hot prospect with the Blues’ second on his Academy debut.

Paul Hardyman’s side dominated the opening 45 minutes but all they had to show for it was a goal from skipper Sam Magri, who darted in to power home a header from a well-placed Ashley Harris free-kick.

Ipswich keeper Conor O’Donnell had twice saved his side earlier, turning over a goalbound shot from Liam Trigg before keeping out a fine header from Magri.

Just before the interval, and with Pompey still bossing long periods of play, Trigg set Harris in the clear but he shot wide with the goal at his mercy.

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Early in the second half, and moments after Trigg had headed a shot from Tom Winter off the line, the hosts were level when a neat move presented a chance for Lewis Acott to fire in an equaliser.

And before Pompey regained their composure, they found themselves a goal behind when Jon Leddy finished clinically to beat Matt Gledhill at his near post.

Slowly, Pompey picked up the pace of the match again and Jed Wallace set James Jennings clear along the line and his cross was so nearly turned in by Jack Maloney at the far post.

But after Magri and Thompson had both gone and tested O’Donnell, Ipswich saw substitute Jack Simmonds fire a shot just over.

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To their credit, though, Pompey gave it a final push in the closing moments and clawed their way back to claim a point as Maloney thumped in a cross for Thompson to head home.

IPSWICH YOUTH: O’Donnell, Jones, October, Acott, Mtoako, Thorrstson, Winter, Bennett, Marriott, Lawrence, Leddy. Subs: Simmonds, O’Neill, Meikle, Tiofalk,Scotcher.

POMPEY YOUTH: Gledhill, Wheeler, Trigg, Branford, Magri, Warren, Jennings,Harris, Thompson, Wallace, Maloney. Subs: Awford, Butler, Vine.

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