Portsmouth Academy given almighty scare by Didcot in FA Youth Cup

The young Blues found themselves 2-0 down to the non-league visitors at half-time under the Fratton Park lights on Tuesday.

But Liam Diash’s side battled back in the second period, although they left it late with three goals in the final six minutes to win the tie.

Harvey Rew’s header got Pompey back into the game before strikes from Kristian Dawson, Seok Jae Lee and Harrison Brook ensured the home side avoided a banana skin.

Professional development phase coach Daish told the Blues’ website: ‘Didcot came out of the blocks extremely quickly and pressed us very well.

‘That put us on the back foot and before we knew it we found ourselves two goals down at home. We were a bit shell-shocked and they deserve a lot of credit for that.

‘I was glad to get the boys in for half-time, so we could try to get a plan together to go on and win the game.

‘To be fair to them, they showed a bit of character and resolve to fight back and get through to the next round.

‘We warned our players not to underestimate the opposition because it was always going to be a big match for them at Fratton Park. They were going to be up for it.

‘It’s a new experience for our lads as well, though, and it’s something that will certainly stay with them.

‘We need to learn to make better decisions because we’ll be facing another non-league side in the next round.’