Portsmouth Academy throw away lead to draw with Forest Green

POMPEY ACADEMY threw away a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with Forest Green Rovers in the Youth Alliance Leaue south west division.
Oscar Johnston was on target for Pompey Academy. Picture: Duncan ShepherdOscar Johnston was on target for Pompey Academy. Picture: Duncan Shepherd
Oscar Johnston was on target for Pompey Academy. Picture: Duncan Shepherd

Oscar Johnston and Leon Maloney were on target either side of half-time for Mark Kelly's side at the club's Roko training base.

The Blues made a quick start to the game, with Haji Mnoga heading over Eoin Teggart's corner in the fourth minute.

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They made the breakthrough 14 minutes later through a superb strike from Johnston. The forward cut inside before bending a left-foot shot from the edge of the box into the far top corner.

In the 27th minute Pompey keeper Leon Pitman had to be alert to keep out a skidding 25-yard shot to his left.

The hosts almost doubled their lead on 30 minutes when Maloney sent in an early cross to Stanley but the striker's first-time shot was kept out by the Rovers keeper.

Kelly's troops did extend their advantage shortly after the interval, though, with Johnston again at the heart of the move.

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He played a neat one-two with Maloney before being fouled in the box and won his side a penalty.

Maloney stepped up and coolly sent his effort home.

The Blues looked to be cruising to three points but the away side reduced the deficit in the 65th minute.

And they snatched an equaliser just two minutes later when a free-kick was headed down to a Rovers player who fired home.

Pompey pushed for a winner and Josh Flint almost grabbed the home side three points with five minutes remaining. 

The Waterlooville ace was played through on goal but was dispossessed by the outstretched legs of the visiting stopper.Â