Match 2: Woking 1-2 Portsmouth – Pre-Season Friendly, July 15, 2026

Match Overview

League One Portsmouth edged National League side Woking 2-1 in a competitive pre-season friendly at the Laithwaite Community Stadium. The visitors fielded a mix of first-team regulars and academy prospects, while the home side used the fixture to test their squad depth against higher-league opposition. A first-half strike from Kusini Yengi and a second-half header from Tom Lowery proved enough for Pompey, despite a spirited Woking fightback that saw them pull one back through Rhys Browne.

Key Moments

• 14th minute – Yengi opens the scoring: A long ball from defence found Yengi, who controlled and fired low past Woking goalkeeper Will Jaaskelainen.
• 38th minute – Browne equalises: Woking’s pressure paid off when Browne latched onto a loose ball in the box and smashed home from an acute angle.
• 62nd minute – Lowery restores lead: Portsmouth’s midfielder rose highest to meet a corner and directed a powerful header into the top corner.
• 78th minute – Woking push for equaliser: The hosts created several half-chances but were denied by excellent saves from Portsmouth’s reserve keeper Toby Steward.

Tactical Observations

Portsmouth manager John Mousinho experimented with a 3-4-3 formation, allowing wing-backs to push high. Woking’s 4-4-2 block frustrated Pompey at times, but the quality of the League One side’s final pass proved decisive. Woking’s midfield trio of Dale Gorman, Charlie Wakefield, and James Daly worked tirelessly but lacked the final third sharpness against a disciplined Portsmouth defence.

Player Highlights

• Kusini Yengi (Portsmouth): The Australian striker demonstrated his pace and power, a constant threat throughout his 60-minute stint.
• Rhys Browne (Woking): The winger’s goal was a highlight, and his direct running caused problems for Portsmouth’s left side.
• Tom Lowery (Portsmouth): His headed goal and calm midfield presence showed why he is a key asset for the coming season.

Post-Match Comments

Mousinho said: “It was a good workout. Woking made it tough for us, especially in the first half. We showed composure to get back ahead and then managed the game well. Plenty of positives, but still work to do on our transitions.”

Woking boss Darren Sarll: “We matched a very good League One side for long periods. The goal we conceded from the corner is disappointing, but the lads gave everything. This sort of test is exactly what we need before the National League season.”