Pompey started their pre-season friendly matches with a 4-0 win at West Leigh Park against Havant & Waterlooville.
There was a good turnout of fans, with the kick-off being delayed until 7:55PM to ensure that everyone could get in to the ground safely.
The match saw the first appearances of new signings: Jason Pearce (from AFC Bournemouth), David Norris (on a free from Ipswich Town), Luke Varney (from Derby County) and Scott Henderson (on a free from Bristol City). Greg Halford (signed from Wolverhampton Wanderers) - whose signature was officially confirmed during the day - also played as did Hermann Hreidarsson who has just penned a new one year deal.
A number of younger Pompey players were given a runout, including in the second half Sam Magri, more recently in action during the Summer for England in the U17 World Cup Finals in Mexico.
Although there was no Kanu or Liam Lawrence on display - both given extended breaks due to international duties - Tal Ben Haim played in the second half his contract differences with the Club seemingly resolved, something confirmed by Steve Cotterill after the match.
The Pompey goals all came in the second half, from Joel Ward, Hayden Mullins, Dave Kitson and Luke Varney.
Portsmouth versus Havant & Waterlooville: Jamie Ashdown (Scott Henderson 46), Aaron Mokoena (Tal Ben Haim 57), Greg Halford, Ricardo Rocha (Hermann Hreidarsson 46 later replaced by Stockford re-appearing!), Jason Pearce, Hayden Mullins, Lewis Stockford (Williams 46 (himself substituted by Tallack 72)), Joel Ward, David Norris (Sam Magri 79), Luke Varney, Dave Kitson. Pompey goals and times: Ward 60, Mullins 67, Kitson 81, Varney 89.
Source for team line-up: www.portsmouthfc.co.uk
Some pictures from the evening follow.
Pre-Match Warm-Up
The sprinkler system in operation at West Leigh Park - the pitch was in a good nick, think how this system compares to the manual, labour intensive approach used at Fratton Park of which we had a number of viewings last season.
All together now! And Streeeeetch! Pompey players start their warm-up before this friendly game at West Leigh Park against Havant & Waterlooville.
He's behind you! New goalkeeper Scott Henderson looks on at Jamie Ashdown, ever present in the 2010-11 season.
New coach Stuart Gray (right) looks on at the Pompey players warming up, Guy Whittingham is also in the picture (second right).
The Pompey players continued their warm-up with some sharp passing practice - it got quite competitive!
West Leigh Park Under The Floodlights
West Leigh Park always looks good under the Summer skies, with the sun setting and the floodlights just starting to make a difference in the second half of this friendly match - picture one.
West Leigh Park - picture two.
West Leigh Park - picture three.
Match Action Pictures
OK, where's the ball?! Pompey fans at West Leigh Park lean to get a view of the action.
Hayden Mullins looks to collect the ball, Luke Varney (7) looks on.
Aaron Mokoena, who played at right back, challenges for a header. Joel Ward looks on.
The Pompey dugout look on as Lewis Stockford makes progress down the left hand side.
Hayden Mullins with the ball, David Norris looks on.
Havant & Waterlooville 'keeper Ashmore punches the ball - out of shot - clear.
Match action in the middle of the pitch.
Greg Halford challenges for a header whilst Aaron Mokoena, Lewis Stockford (number 11) and David Norris (number 9) look on.
Greg Halford (or is that Hot Shot Hamish?!) fires in his first half free-kick that rattled the cross-bar
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