Maloney hat-trick as Pompey Academy hit Newport for six
The Isle of Wight midfielder proved too hot to handle for the Young Exiles, as the Blues’ youngsters ran out 6-2 victors at Furze Lane.
Maloney opened the scoring on 14 minutes, after visiting keeper Callum Brain could only parry Matt Mayes’ effort.
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Hide AdThe visitors equalised two minutes later from the penalty spot, with Tom Saviger calmly firing home.
But the home side’s advantage was restored six minutes before half-time, when Maloney’s brilliant run at the County defence was followed-up by a fine shot that gave Brain no hope.
Half-time substitute Dan Smith’s tap-in made it 3-1 on 52 minutes, before fellow new arrival Bradley Lethbridge extended the lead moments later.
Tom Hillman responded for the visitors just past the hour mark.
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Hide AdBut there was to be no brave comeback from the away side, with Maloney completing his hat-trick from the penalty spot and Lethbridge rubbing salt in the Newport wounds with an effort that went in off the post on 89 minutes.
Meanwhile, Pompey’s under-16s won 1-0 against their Welsh visitors.