Pompey Spared Battery Embarrassment

Last updated : 22 July 2011 By Jim Bonner

An own goal and a Greg Halford header spared Portsmouth the embarrassment of being defeated by a Charleston Battery XI side made up of fringe players and youngsters.

The behind-closed-doors friendly ended in a 2-2 draw but Pompey made hard work of things and went in at half-time two goals down.

Zach Kelly scored first with a blistering drive into the top corner and then Levi Coleman outpaced Halford from the halfway line and dinked the ball over Ashdown to double Battery's lead.

Pompey pulled a goal back straight after the break as Sean Flatley smashed Ward's cross into his own net before a minute of the second half was completed.

The visitors piled on the pressure and after Pearce saw his effort cleared off the line, Halford headed home Varney's cross to equalise.

Rocha could have been sent off late in the game for pulling back JC Mack who was through on goal but the game ended in a draw as Steve Cotterill's men were spared an embarrassing friendly defeat.

There was some positive news to come from this match as Liam Lawrence played the first half after yet another injury but trialist Shavar Thomas started the match and didn't impress so is unlikely to be given a contract.

Pompey take on Battery's first team on Wednesday. If this result is anything to go by then we're in for a loss to what is essentially an American third tier football team.