Portsmouth (5) 3-3 (4) Fulham U21

Fulham Under-21s got themselves their first EFL Trophy point on the board, fighting to a 3-3 draw at Portsmouth on Tuesday.

Despite going down to 10-men before the break, our lads battled away with Chris Donnell, Martial Godo and Delano McCoy-Splatt getting on the scoresheet.

We weren't able to grab the bonus point up for grabs, losing in the penalty shootout, but a brilliant game of football on the south coast regardless.

With the squad currently hit with an injury crisis at the back, Hayden Mullins gave young Jonathan Esenga his first Under-21s start at centre-back.

Midfielder George Okkas found himself in the somewhat unfamiliar position of left-back, with McCoy-Splatt, captain Matt Dibley-Dias and Donnell in the middle of the park.

Our front line was unchanged, with Olly Sanderson leading the line alongside Godo and Terrell Works.

The young Whites silenced the crowd almost instantly, taking the lead with just two minutes on the clock.

Donnell was on-hand to tap Sanderson’s initial effort home and give us the early advantage.

The hosts responded well, with Koby Mottoh latching onto an excellent delivery before heading over at the back post with eight minutes on the clock.

Soon after, Alex Borto stuck out a strong hand to block Paddy Lane’s stinging strike from a tight angle.

Godo got our away Fulham following on their feet on 15 minutes, using some neat stepovers to open up space for a strike. His effort had power but was straight at goalkeeper Ryan Schofield.

Pompey got things level again a couple of minutes later, when Sean Raggett rose highest to power in a header from a corner.

Terry Devlin soon put Pompey ahead as the home side began to gather a bit more control. Lane swung in a perfect cross which was powerfully headed home.

Lane almost made it 3-1, when his difficult half-volley at the back-post looped just over. The hosts were enjoying success with crossing and set pieces.

We rode the storm and were presented with a gift to get us level five minutes before the break. Godo bust a gut to take advantage of an awful back pass and beat the Pompey ‘keeper to the ball.

Abu Kamara had a decent opportunity to put the hosts back ahead, as six minutes of additional time were announced. The forward's volley whistled inches wide of the post.

Our task was made harder just before the break, with Okkas receiving a second booking for standing too close to a throw in which was being taken. Not like Fulham to receive a soft second yellow...

After a resilient opening half from the lads, the two sides went in level at 2-2.

Pompey came out stronger after the break. Esenga did brilliantly for us to get up high and block a back-post header which was sure to be heading in.

There was very little we could do about Portsmouth’s third goal, which flew in a couple of minutes later. Captain Sean Raggatt, who is a centre-back, unleashed a rocket from about 35 yards which whizzed past Borto before finding the top left corner.

We were fortunate to stay in the game, with our opponents creating a huge chance on 57 minutes. A loose ball rolled to Christian Saydee, who despite being in plenty of space, had his effort somehow blocked.

We almost made them rue the missed opportunity, with Sanderson having his decent header punched clear. Even with a man less, our boys were creating.

Raggett provided more of a typical centre-back finish a few minutes later, smashing over from just a few yards out. Another let-off for us...

The chances kept coming for Portsmouth. Substitute Anthony Scully blasted over from point-blank range, before Kamara's free header from the centre of our area drifted above the crossbar.

Unbelievably, we managed to grab a third on 73 minutes. McCoy-Splatt played a clever give-and-go with Sanderson before tucking a stunning low effort past Schofield from the tightest of angles. Game back on.

It was the young Whites now turning the screw! Sanderson was played through on goal but took too long and had his attempt well saved.

The hosts continued to push, with Alex Robertson's effort on 87 minutes rifling against the post.

Our lads battled to a 3-3 draw to get a point on the board after an excellent performance in testing conditions. Now it was time for penalties and an opportunity to get an extra point. 

Matt Dibley-Dias, Callum McFarlane and Chris Donnell all coolly converted, before Alex borto stuck out a strong hand to deny Zak Swanson.

We couldn't take advantage, however, with Harvey Araujo watching as his penalty kick was rifled over. Kristian Šekularac, needing to score, and had the audacity to provide a panenka finish and level things.

After a Portsmouth goal, Devan Tanton's effort from the spot was saved, meaning Portsmouth took the extra point up for grabs. 

Nevertheless, a superb away display from our youngsters, who would've made the travelling Fulham faithful proud.