Portsmouth XI 2 Luton XI 2

Last updated : 15 September 2004 By Keith Allman
In the wake of the postponment of tonight's reserve match against Ipswich, a strong team was fielded against League 1 side Luton Town this afternoon. The best news to come out of the match was that those on the comeback trail survived without damage - Hughes, Faye and Cisse all lasted ninety minutes, whilst Vincent Pericard played a half before being replaced by James Keene.

New signings Andy Griffin, Jamie Ashdown and Valery Mezague also all made appearances; indeed, it was Mezague's blocked shot that fell for Burchill to tap into an empty net for the first goal. Amdy Faye also scored for Pompey, although not before Luton had equalised courtesy of a direct free kick from Michael Leary. The Hatters drew level from the penalty spot late on, Enoch Showumni converting from twelve yards after a foul by Richard Hughes.

It's very encouraging to see the strength in depth we have nowadays. Admittedly there were a couple of youth players who came on to make up the numbers, but look at the starting eleven - players who, in my opinion, could easily do a good job for us in the Premiership, as well as great prospects such as Buxton and Duffy. With the likes of Todorov, Foxe, and now De Zeeuw still to come back, it goes to show that Harry bought well this summer and even if we get injuries and bans, as with last season, we should have enough TALENTED cover to hold our own. As opposed to seasons past, when players such as Cooper or Vine were thrown in well before they were ready.

Portsmouth: Ashdown, Griffin, Duffy, Buxton, Hughes, O'Neil, Faye, Cisse, Pericard, Burchill, Mezague.
Subs: Horsted for O'Neil (45); Keene for Pericard (45)