Match Day Thread Pompey 3 v 0 Forest Green - Youth Alliance League

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Pompey Academy enjoyed a positive start to 2023 as they beat Forest Green 3-0 at Copnor Road in the Youth Alliance League.

Sam Folarin bagged a brace, while Adam Payce was also on target as the points were effectively wrapped up by the interval.

Assistant professional development phase coach Sam Hudson said: “The focus for us was on our pressing and intensity in the first game back following the festive break.

“We wanted to get at our opponents quite quickly and create plenty of chances, which we did very well in the first half.

“In the opening stages we were able to build up a lot of momentum, without getting the reward of clear-cut chances.

“There was then a period when we had to defend a bit deeper, but that led to us taking the lead thanks to a good press from Sam.

“The keeper probably should have saved the shot and that goal gave us a real boost, while we added a couple more before the break.

“One of Sam’s came from a well-worked set-piece from Harvey Laidlaw and Mitch Aston, which had been organised by them.

“Harvey’s deliveries throughout were great and another cross from him found Sam, who set Pacey up to finish.

“We’d worked on crossing with his right foot after watching a Liverpool match recently and seeing Trent Alexander-Arnold do the same.

“Seeing that training-to-game process is very pleasing and it’s why we spend so much time with our preparations.

“In the second half we didn’t have a shot on target until near the end, despite creating a lot of good moments from set-pieces.

“The message at the end was that we probably should have been a bit more clinical to lay a marker down.

“But all the staff are pleased with the clean sheet and our ability to win duels, while Brian Quarm was used in three positions across the back-line, which will prove useful for him.

“There were lots of individual challenges throughout and ultimately we’ve won the game, so it was a positive return for us.”

Pompey: Bastian Smith; Kevin Bosaka, Josh Dockerill (Elliott Simpson 64), Brian Quarm; Koby Mottoh (Jack Fox 75), Adam Murray, Mitch Aston, Harvey Laidlaw; Adam Payce (Gabriel Kamavuako 64); Sam Folarin (Maxwell Hurst 75), Jamie Howell