Bishop Auckland still have it all to play for in the final of the Under-15s English Schools Trophy despite going down 1-0 in the home leg at Durham City's Archibald Stadium last night.

A 63rd-minute goal by Pompey captain Tom Roberts proved the difference between the two sides. But Bishops will perhaps feel they should have been going down to Fratton Park for the return leg at least on level terms after forcing several openings.

Bishops started brightly and David Dowson should have had more conviction after riding a tackle on the edge of the area on four minutes. Instead of firing over a quick cross, the striker chose to check back, allowing the Pompey defence to regroup. When he did get the ball into the middle Daniel Mitton sshot over.

Pompey's Jake Thomson, later to emerge as his side's playmaker, then sent over a dangerous free-kick from 25 yards which Bishops' defence did well to clear.

Bishops striker Seb Coady fashioned a chance for himself on the edge of the area a minute later, checking inside before shooting. However, his effort lacked power and keeper Jack Stansbridge was able to gather.

Coady had the chance of the half after 17 minutes as Mitton sent over an excellent cross but the frontman, unmarked seven yards out, blazed over.

More good work from the impressive Mitton led to a dipping shot from Kieran Megran which dropped on to the top of the net.

Bishops lost their shape and Thomson began to orchestrate matters from the middle of the park, though Pompey were not able to profit thanks to some stout defending from the home side.

Bishops attacked from the start in the second period but were unable to find the goal they wanted.

However, with 17 minutes left Pompey did. The dangerous Thomson saw his corner cleared back to him and he had time and space to pick out Roberts at the far post and he stretched out a leg to divert the ball over the line.

Billy Huntley was unlucky to see his curling effort from 20 yards clip the side netting.

Bishops' Mark Wood had a late shout for a penalty ignored, and the same player was then denied by an super save by Stansbridge.

Bishops (4-4-2): K Carr; D Mitton, L Hope, J Barker, R Langthorne, L Marr, W Clark, M Wood, K Megran (A.Comby, 62 mins), S Coady, D Dowson.

Result: Bishop Auckland U-15 0 Portsmouth U-15 1.