‘Eye-catching’, ‘simply outrageous’, ‘raw talent’, ‘direct and effective’
Pompey cruised to a comfortable 3-0 win over Hawks at Westleigh Park last Friday.
Defender Ryley Towler lit up the clash with an outrageous 45-yard finish after the restart, as triallist Sean Patton also netted with a low drive.
That came after Christian Saydee opened the scoring in the 19th minute as he lashed home a drive from inside the box.
A host of Blues youngsters were introduced for the final 30 minutes.
Here are our player ratings from Westleigh Park: Toby Steward 7 More a night for Steward’s distribution to catch the eye after not being significantly tested. The 19-year-old excelled in that department with his forward passing starting a number of positive moves.
Terry Devlin 7 Easy to see why John Mousinho believes the Irishman could have a future at rightback. Devlin handled the physicality of Hawks comfortably while constantly probing down the right flank.
Jamal Baptiste 8 Eye-catching display from the triallist. Handled the rough and tumble of Hawks’ attack with ease and excelled stepping out with the ball while producing a numnber of rangy crossfield passes.
Ryley Towler 9 Being handed the captaincy shows how Towler is appreciated. Played within himself and kept things simple as he struck up a decent understanding with Baptiste. Then came the moment to delight, as he stepped out and lofted an outstanding 45 yarder home. Jack Sparkes 7 Had an easy night’s work defensively allowing the leftback to make the most of his distribution, from open play and deadball deliveries. Harry Clout 8 Elevated to the senior squad in pre-season and the academy youngster looked perfectly comfortable at the level. Operated down the left, where he was always an option for raking crossfield balls. Really sparked to life after the break, as his running became far more direct and effective. Ben Stevenson 7 Typical Ben Stevenson stuff as the midfielder kept it simple and looked very tidy in doing so. Always offered and option and played some nice triangles as Pompey dominated the middle of the park.
Owen Moxon 7 Bossed the middle of the park, hitting diagonal passes with both feet. Decent statement to show he can be a frontline central midfielder in the Championship.
Callum Lang 7 Found time and space with ease and constantly popped up in pockets where he could affect the game.
Sean Patton 7 Got his Pompey goal account up and running with a clinical second-half finish. Strayed offside a couple of times, but there’s some raw talent there. Christian Saydee 8 Provided the goal threat and link-up play in an impressive first-half showing. Rifled home the opener and was clearly trying to set standards in possession. Substitutes
Reuben Swann 7 Sight of goal after introduction as the new boy was employed in the 10 role and showed some decent touches.
Cam Plain 6 The ex-bournemouth keeper look composed, though Soek Jae-lee's shot got beyond him before being cleared off the line.
Beau Mullins 7 One smart tackle as Academy lad slotted into defence for final 30 minutes.
Ciaran Martin 8
Goal-line clearance from the defender and some composed blocks and clearances. Jayden Keteku 7 Plenty of energy from the wide man on the left flank.
Tayo Singerr 7 Always on the move as Academy lad led the line for the last half hour.
Michael Ani 7 Buzzed around down the right flank after second-half introduction.
Nat Chioma 7 A lively presence on the right as he always tried to prompt attacking play.
Reggie Buckland 7 Solid presence as he tasted senior football and did himself justice.
Cody Howard 7 Didn't look out of place as he joined the swathe of youngsters on the pitch.