SOME 400 Portsmouth fans fought their way through nightmare holiday traffic on the A303 only to see their team come second best - and a poor one at that - to a Yeovil side who still seek a place in the Nationwide Football League.

But at least the fans had the first 30 minutes to enjoy while Pompey looked as though they would win convincingly after taking the lead. Some missed the goal, though, because of the traffic delays.

Mike Panopoulos who fashioned it, running strongly at a retreating defence before crossing to the unmarked Courtney Pitt, who smashed the ball high into the net from 10 yards.

Ten minutes later it should have been 2-0 with an identical move. Panopoulos was again the provider, but this time Pitt drove his effort just wide.

Further Pompey chances went begging. First Lee Bradbury headed wide and then lofty striker Peter Crouch repeated the act from Pitt's angled cross to the far post.

Gradually Yeovil came more into the game and gave warning of what was to come as first Terry Skiverton wriggled free to bring a fine save from goalkeeper Chris Tardif, before former Pompey player Andy Turner fired a shot just over with Tardif struggling.

It came as no surprise when Yeovil drew level on 38 minutes when a delightful through ball from Lee Johnson cut Pompey's defence to ribbons and Darren Way was clear to lob a shot over the advancing Tardif.

Just before the interval, Bradbury and Yeovil's Mike McIndoe clashed unceremoniously near the corner flag, leaving Totton referee Dennis Spicer to ask that they both be substituted - Rowan Vine taking over from Bradbury.

Pompey continued to struggle as Yeovil went all out for a winner which came on 71 minutes when Colin Pluck found himself totally free to head home from six yards.

Tardif then saved his side further embarrassment when he flew across his goal to turn over a long-range effort from Johnson.

Immediately afterwards, Pompey chairman Milan Mandaric was whisked away from the ground by director Terry Brady and director of football Harry Redknapp refused to make any excuses for Pompey's performance.

"It was inept," he said. "It doesn't matter if it is a friendly or not we should always try and win. If you ask me, Yeovil looked the better side.

"It was a hot afternoon, but I am making no excuses it was the same for both teams."

Portsmouth: Tardif, Crowe (sub: Quashie, 25), Edinburgh (sub: Vincent, 45), Hiley, Moore, Buxton, Bradbury (sub: Vine, 43), Panopoulos (sub: O'Neil, 65), Crouch, Brady (sub: Miglioranzi, 65), Pitt. Subs (not used): Harper, Knight (gk).

Attendance: 1,668.