Pompey Ladies’ FA Women’s Cup hopes came to an end amid a host of missed chances against Sheffield FC at Moneyfields.
The Northern Premier League side beat the Blues 3-1, but Pompey weren’t without opportunities to take the match themselves.
Within seconds the hosts could have been ahead only for Jemma Tewkesbury (pictured) to blast the ball over the bar.
They paid the price minutes later when Sheffield scored after Pompey failed to clear a loose ball in their box.
The Blues came close to equalising almost immediately but Shelly Cox was denied by a brilliant save from the visiting keeper.
But on 21 minutes TEWKESBURY levelled from the spot after a penalty was awarded for handball.
Pompey took control as they went in search of the lead, with Tewkesbury key in creating several chances. First Charley Wilson went close, then Kirsty McGee’s effort skimmed the post.
But Sheffield restored their lead shortly before half-time when Jodie Michalska outpaced Pompey’s defence and beat Sadie Blakely.
Moments after the break Blakely made a good save to keep the visitors from adding another.
But Sheffield stayed on top and added a third on the hour after Blakely had saved a disputed free-kick.
The resulting corner was cleared by Pompey’s defence but, controversially, the referee ordered the corner to be retaken – deeming it to have been taken outside the quadrant. Michalska netted from the second corner following a goalmouth scramble.
With about 20 minutes left to play Sheffield were reduced to 10 players when Ellie Gilliatt was sent off after receiving a second yellow card.
Pompey tried to capitalise by pushing forward, but the visitors defended resolutely to keep them at bay.
Manager Vanessa Raynbird said: “It was a disappointing result for us, but we didn’t make the most of our chances when we should have and we paid the price.
“We know we are capable of doing much better than that.
“It’s always frustrating to lose games, but we now have to make sure we concentrate on other competitions and the league.”
Pompey: Blakely, McGee, Kirby, McMillan (Russell), Heron, Rutherford, Roe (Rawlins), Cox (Quinn), Hillier, Wilson, Tewkesbury