Cardiff Academy 1-1 Pompey Academy

Pompey retained an unbeaten start to the academy season but had to come back from a goal down to secure a 1-1 draw with Cardiff.

This is the official report from the Pompey Site...

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ACADEMY DRAW WITH CARDIFF

Cardiff Academy 1 Pompey Academy 1

Pompey preserved their unbeaten start to the season with a point against Cardiff - but will consider themselves unlucky not to have left Wales without all three.

In a game they mostly dominated, only the woodwork prevented Ian Woan`s side from taking an early lead when Ryan Woodford rattled the crossbar with his header after connecting with Matt Ritchie's cross.

Gael Nlundulu was next to go close for the Blues after being played through by Leonard Sowah but his shot rippled the outside of the net.

Meanwhile, Pompey's efficient defence was soaking up any Cardiff attempts with Liam O'Brien a virtual spectator in the Blues goal.

The visitors again had the home defence in a panic when Tom Kilbey put in a low cross that just needed a touch from an oncoming striker, but the ball was eventually cleared by a member of the Bluebirds' back-line.

Half Time: Cardiff 0 Pompey 0

The second half followed the same pattern as the first with Nlundulu watching his blistering shot blocked as it hurtled goalbound.

But, perhaps inevitably, it was Cardiff who took the lead with a piece of clinical finishing 10 minutes into the second half.

Josh Magennis muscled his way into space before teeing up Craig Mason, who headed home at the far post.

Pompey looked to respond immediately and Mark Smith headed narrowly over after meeting Ritchie's ball.

But the Blues finally got their reward with 15 minutes of the match remaining. Nlundulu found SMITH, who made no mistake this time with a thumping finish.

Pompey continued to dominate as they looked for the winner that their confident display merited, but they had to be content with a share of the points.

Pompey: O'Brien, Reynolds, Sowah, Pack, Woodford, Nlundulu, Hurst, Kilbey, Ritchie, Ciftci (Collins), Smith

Subs not used: Smith, Ryan, Mantyla, Castles

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