Blues secure 6-3 victory over Southampton
Samantha Quayle struck four goals as Pompey Ladies saw off a stubborn Southampton side to lift the Hampshire Cup for a ninth successive season.
The side from the red half of Hampshire fought bravely before the Blues finally ran away with the contest on a foggy evening at Westleigh Park.
But the holders fell behind when Jane Yeates was left unmarked in the box to head home after 16 minutes.
Pompey were soon level, though, with Quayle capitalising on a goalkeeping error to notch her first of the night.
A see-saw contest then swung their way, courtesy of a stunning 25-yard strike from skipper Gemma Hillier that flew into the net.
Quayle should have strengthened the advantage before the break, but shot straight at Mollie Peake, with Vicky Carleton sending the loose ball wide.
And a defensive howler allowed Southampton to equalise right on the stroke of half-time, as Eilidh Currie’s back-pass was completely missed by keeper Courtney Trodd.
The Blues kept pushing forward after the interval, but they had to wait until the 68th minute for Quayle to restore the lead with a neat finish.
But their opponents hit back almost immediately, with Meg Vella slotting home to put the tie back in the balance at 3-3.
Southampton had fought hard, only to collapse when Kirsty Whitton inadvertently turned Nadine Bazan’s cross into her own net.
Quayle made sure of the victory after rounding Peake to complete her hat-trick and then capped a superb individual display by grabbing a fourth goal – and Pompey’s sixth – at the death.
Blues boss Jay Sadler said: “I’m proud of the players. Our physical attributes and technical qualities prevailed and we deserved the win.
“The manner of the goals we conceded was disappointing, though, and we have to eradicate those mistakes from our game.
“But the team deserve a lot of credit for the way they dug in. The girls worked hard and we’re pleased to lift the trophy.”
Pompey: Trodd; Bazan, Currie, Tonks, Kirby (Peck 88); James (Bloomfield 78), Sievwright, Hillier (c), Carleton; Stephens (Bell 84), Quayle
Subs not used: Burns, Paines