Match Day Thread Pompey Res. 2 v 1 Luton U23's - Friendly Game

Blues Beat Luton In Friendly - Haji Mnoga and Ben Close on target for Pompey

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Haji Mnoga (pictured) and Ben Close were on target, as a youthful Pompey side beat their Luton counterparts in a friendly at Gosport.

Paul Downing and a couple of trialists also featured for Mark Kelly’s side in the 2-1 Privett Park victory.

It was the visitors who made the brighter start and they struck the crossbar twice in quick succession.

Mnoga then had a couple of half-chances at the other end, while one of Pompey’s trialists also rattled the woodwork.

And it was the Blues that broke the deadlock midway through the first half, as HAJI MNOGA raced across his marker to convert a Harry Kavanagh cross.

There were not too many other clear-cut openings before the break, although a Seok Jae Lee effort was deflected narrowly over.

But the hosts almost doubled their advantage shortly after the restart, with a Close free-kick headed just past his own post by a Luton defender.

Harrison Brook then had a long-range effort deflected wide, while Mnoga nodded a corner not far off target.

And BEN CLOSE did strengthen Pompey’s lead on 69 minutes following some neat link-up play involving Alfie Stanley and Mnoga.

They were not quite able to hold on for a clean sheet, however, as a bobble deceived Taylor Seymour, allowing the Hatters to grab a late consolation.

Pompey: Taylor Seymour; Haji Mnoga (Harvey Rew 87), Paul Downing, Trialist, Harry Kavanagh; Ben Close, Trialist; Seok Jae Lee (Harry Jewitt-White 84), Charlie Bell (Harry Anderson 78), Harrison Brook; Alfie Stanley

 

Kenny Jackett reveals identities of Portsmouth’s trialists from Manchester United and Chelsea.

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Pierre Ekwah Elimby of Chelsea (left) during Leicester City v Chelsea in Premier League 2

Portsmouth had two trialists from Premier League clubs that featured in Tuesday’s reserve game against Luton Town’s under-23s.

During the win, Pompey had two players on trial. Chelsea teenager 19 year old Pierre Ekwah Elimby featured as a midfielder, whilst Max Taylor, a 21-year-old from Manchester United, partnered Paul Downing at centre-back.

Both are currently on trial for the duration of this week, having arrived at Pompey’s Roko training base on Monday.

Kenny Jackett was in attendance for the reserve match against Luton at Gosport and was left pleased by the contributions made by both youngsters. However, both are only considered as potential options to be signed ahead of next season.

“It was a mixture of a team against Luton’s under-23s, both acquitted themselves well. They are good, all-round players,” said Jackett.