A YOUNG Cherries side fell to defeat against Portsmouth in a friendly at Canford Park Arena.

Pompey first-team talent Louis Dennis scored twice in the second half to add to academy graduate Adam May’s early strike to seal a 3-0 win for the visitors.

Cherries goalkeeper Mark Travers admitted the clash had been a tough challenge.

He said: “Portsmouth put out a strong team. We were a bit sloppy in the first half and struggled really to get into the game.

“3-0 isn’t the most pleasing result, but I’m sure the lads will learn from a good test.”

First-team prospect Kyle Taylor joined Travers in the starting XI.

Pompey took the lead on 13 minutes when full-back Haji Mnoga whipped a cross in for May, who sweetly volleyed into the bottom corner.

Dennis doubled the tally after half-time, clipping in from the penalty spot after Tom Hanfrey brought down Mnoga.

May almost scored again but his effort hit the post before the game was wrapped up through Dennis’s cool finish with 15 minutes to play.

Nnamdi Ofoborh and Jordan Zemora went closest to pulling one back late on for Cherries.

Cherries: Travers; Genesini (Nippard, 65), Camp, Rossi, Hanfrey (Hamilton, 70); Kilkenny, Taylor, Ofoborh; Cope, Anthony (Pardoe, 78), Trialist (Zemora, h-t).