The Young Exiles travel to Portsmouth this weekend, looking to build on a brilliant 3-2 victory against Plymouth Argyle last Saturday.
We preview Portsmouth’s last five fixtures, backroom staff and look back at previous fixtures between the Young Exiles and Pompey in the past year.
The Young Exiles travel to Portsmouth this weekend, looking to build on a brilliant 3-2 victory against Plymouth Argyle last Saturday.
We preview Portsmouth’s last five fixtures, backroom staff and look back at previous fixtures between the Young Exiles and Pompey in the past year.
Previous Fixtures
Last season, County struggled against Portsmouth’s U18 side – despite this, we finished in the top-half of the Youth Alliance League South at their expense, with only goal difference separating the two sides.
The most recent fixture was at home – a 2-1 loss last January, which helped Portsmouth put the pressure on Byron Anthony’s side.
Our last away fixture against Pompey was all square with the sides drawing 2-2 on the opening day of the season.
Backroom Staff
Portsmouth’s academy manager is currently Mark Kelly, who was appointed in June 2014 after Andy Awford had been appointed first-team manager.
Kelly had previously played for Portsmouth, making his debut against West Ham United in February 1988.
Despite showing promise at a young age and had been compared to George Best by Pompey manager Alan Ball, he suffered with injuries and retired in 1991 after a serious knee injury.
Portsmouth’s Professional Development Phase Coach is Mikey Harris, who formerly managed Salisbury and was the youngest manager in English football at the age of 29 in 2014.
He took up the role in 2014 after Salisbury were relegated to National League south after failing to clear outstanding debt.
Last Five Fixtures
Despite sitting in the top-half of the league, Portsmouth have endured a tough run of form – they are currently without a win in their last five fixtures.
Their previous two fixtures bode well for County, losing 5-2 and 3-2 respectivley in away fixtures against Cheltenham Town and Bristol Rovers.
Our Young Exiles picked up their first win of the season last Saturday – now they’ll now be looking up the table and hoping for another positive result this weekend!
Match Details
The match will take place at Furze Lane, 11:30 AM kick-off.
Follow Along
You can follow match updates on the official academy Twitter @Youth_County, which will keep you updated with live updates from Portsmouth as the Young Exiles look to pick-up a second win in the league, good luck boys!