Portsmouth Ladies compete in the FA Women's Premier League.
Portsmouth enjoyed a fruitful visit to Manchester City, taking three points to climb to second in the FA Women’s Premier League National Division table.
Pompey got off to a flying start at the impressive Manchester Regional Arena, taking the lead after just nine minutes through a wonderful effort from Shelly Cox.
The midfielder had passed the ball to skipper Gemma Hillier, who raced down the line before pulling it back for Cox.
She then struck it sweetly past the keeper with her right foot – a rare feat for the predominantly left-footed player!
City equalised on 25 minutes after a City forward intercepted Niamh Rawlins’ back-pass.
The Blues nearly restored their lead before the break, but the hosts’ keeper turned Leeta Rutherford’s well-struck effort round the post.
Later in the half, Charley Wilson fired just wide of the target.
Shortly after the hour mark Pompey were back in front when Wilson rolled the ball to Lindsey Roe, who beat the offside trap to side-foot past the keeper.
But once again the lead wasn’t too last and, after sustained pressure, by 70 minutes the Blues were made to pay for failing to clear their lines with City once again able to draw level.
Pompey pushed on as they went in search of a winner and it paid off in the dying minutes of the game.
Substitute Sarah Kempson won the ball and put it in for Kirsty McGee who nut-megged the approaching keeper to seal the points for the south coast side.
Manager Vanessa Raynbird said: “I am delighted, it was a fantastic result for us.
“It perhaps wasn’t the best we’ve played, but it was a good all-round performance.
“They worked their socks off and played much better than last weekend. We countered quickly, but also looked strong at the back.
“It was a very physical match and we were getting a little concerned during the first half but it was much calmer and more settled after the break.
“I’m very pleased with the result – we’re now sitting second in the table, which is fantastic.”
Pompey: Blakely, Kirby, Rawlins, Schumann-Edwards, Murphy, Cox, Rutherford, McGee, Roe, Hillier (c), Wilson (Kempson 85)
Unused Subs: McMillan, Simmonds
Goals: Cox 9, Roe 62, McGee 88
Next Match:
Portsmouth Ladies v Coventry Sunday 16th September @ Moneyfields
