Pompey's non-league neighbours tour is under way and it's a case of so far, so good as boss John Moiusinho reflects on a victory and a good workout at Gosport and looks forward to what he hopes will be more of the same at Havant on Friday and Bognor on Saturday.
The Blues won 3-1 at Privett Park, with Josh Murphy and Kusini Yengi putting the visitors in charge and Jack Sparkes rounding off the win with a superb strike. Mousinho played different teams in each half, with a mixture of expected regulars, hopefuls and a couple of trialists involved.
Mousinho told the club media afterwards: 'We’re very happy with our first run-out against a good Gosport side who caused us problems when we faced them last season.
'That first pre-season game is always a difficult one and the most important thing from the evening is fitness. But the second is performance and we put that in, while the third thing is the result and so we got all three of them.
'There were a couple of minor knocks for Callum Lang and Tom Lowery, but they’re both absolutely fine. Jack got himself into a really good position for the third goal and it was a nice ball to find him – he’s capable of that kind of finish and I’m pleased for him.'
Talking about the likely selection at Havant on Friday, he said: 'We might give some players a bit longer on Friday night, although there are a couple we have to protect on the 4G.
'That will be another really good occasion for us, especially with Northy [Shaun North] in charge at Westleigh Park now. I know there will be more great support and the fans are itching to see us in these games. They’ve been excellent.'