Skipper Matthew Ball ended Portsmouth's four-match unbeaten run as the Norwich City Academy side ran out 2-1 winners on the south coast.

Winger Ryan Oakley converted a corner to give the Canaries the lead on 35 minutes, only for Ashley Harris to draw the Blues level before the break.

But Ball's fine free-kick early in the second half ensured the points came back to Norfolk.

It was a strike which impressed Portsmouth Academy manager Andy Awford, who said: 'Norwich scored with a fantastic free-kick from about 25 yards out – I don't think Peter Shilton in his prime could have kept it out. Sometimes the opposition score a goal like that and you just have to say well done to them.'

• Portsmouth: Gledhill, Tallack, Magri, Tsovolos, Grant, Stockford, Colson (Jennings, 74), Williams, Harris, Butler (Higgins, 80), Walshe. Subs not used: Fry, Fitzharris, Seeley.

• Norwich: Steer; Florence, McKenzie (Dobbs, 81), Jones, Gordon, Oakley, Bradley, Ball, Kelly (Loza, 66), Werndley, Dawkin. Subs not used: Matthews, Stephens, Clunan.