Pompey suffered a humbling defeat on the big stage against their Eastern division league leading counterparts. Once again victims of coming out of the blocks too slowly.

Pompey found themselves 4 goals down at the end of the first quarter, without having produced a meaningful attack.

Despite some vastly improved play in the later stages of the game, Pompey could not make up the deficit and were left exposed by an excellent passing team.

Both teams were required to leave the delights of the south coast and journey inland. Reading was the ordained neutral venue for all the days finals.

Things started badly for Pompey when they lost the coin toss and were forced to play in Reading’s home kit due to a clash of colours.

The game also came at a difficult time for the lads with a number of important players unavailable; it is also possible that some players were overwhelmed by the occasion leading to disappointing performances from usually consistent players.

Either way Pompey struggled to gain control of the ball and retain any form of settled possession.

Were it not for an outstanding performance by the rearguard, the deficit faced at half time would have been considerably more than six goals.

Pompey attempted to change tactics in the second half, playing a more settled form of attack and containing Brighton when they attempted to break forward.

As the third quarter wore on Pompey created more and more chances and a goal seemed all but inevitable.

When it came, the finish was worth waiting for, outstanding build up play and ball movement through midfield, allowed Jim Hitchman to lose his marker, the President could make no mistake from six yards out.

Unfortunately as Pompey pushed on desperately trying to lessen the deficit they left the Defence exposed and several slick Brighton moves resulted in goals.

By the time Mike Beatty added to Pompey’s score line the contest was all but over.

The disappointment was clear on all the lads faces as they collected runners up medals, unfortunately on the day the best team won however.

Pompey must now pick themselves up and begin preparations for their second cup final in the West & Midlands in two weeks time.