CHERRIES geared up for their tough League One double-header against Leeds and Oldham by enjoying the better of a behind-closed doors friendly against Portsmouth yesterday.

Kevin Bond's first team entertained a strong Pompey outfit at Dean Court, with Milan Baros, John Utaka, Pedro Mendes, Arnold Mvuemba and Lauren among the visitors' ranks.

And although Utaka's late goal earned the Premier League side a slender 1-0 victory, Bond's charges had arguably the best of the chances with Sam Vokes, Jo Kuffour and Brett Pitman all going close.

Bond said: "It was better than a day's training for all the boys. Portsmouth were looking for a game and I was happy to oblige. Thankfully, we came out of the game unscathed from an injury point of view and I was perfectly happy with it.

"Although it's not quite the same as a league game, it doesn't do you any harm when you are competing with a lot of really well known players. It was a great experience for some of the younger lads," added Bond, whose side finished with two pros and nine youth team players on the pitch.

Rookie goalkeeper Ryan Pryce, who could face both Leeds and Oldham due to Gareth Stewart's ankle injury, turned in another assured display.

However, Bond confirmed he was still waiting to discover whether the Football League would allow him to bolster his flagging goalkeeping resources and said he would "consider it" should he get the green light.

Swansea's David Forde, one of Bond's options for cover in January, will not be among his possible targets as he would require international clearance and this would not be given outside of the transfer window.

Meanwhile, Bond has ruled out the possibility of star striker Vokes joining Everton for a spell of training.