Hillier on target in stalemate
Gemma Hillier’s first half strike was not enough to secure Pompey Ladies all three points at Coventry.
The Blues started brightly and broke the deadlock on 17 minutes when Sarah Kempson and Ini Umotong combined to tee-up Hillier.
They continued to dominate and Umotong came close to doubling the lead, only to be denied by a fine save from Sue Woods.
Pompey were just as threatening after interval, but their hosts began to move through the gears as the second half progressed.
And Coventry levelled on 52 minutes when Amber Hughes arrived at the far post to poke the ball home.
They almost forged ahead soon after, but Michelle Beazley made a smart stop to keep out Marie Gauntlett’s effort.
Both sides were pushing for a winner as the game entered its final stages, with Sarah Kempson and Leeta Rutherford both having chances for the visitors.
Blues boss Perry Northeast said: “It was a solid performance and I was pleased with most of what I saw from the girls.
“We looked very secure defensively and were unlucky not to score more than one goal in the first half.
“I thought we were good value for all three points and we probably should have finished the game off before the break.
“We were playing another side who have ambitions of competing at the top end of the table this season and they had a strong 15 minutes in the second half.
“But we finished strongly after they had equalised and it’s just disappointing that we couldn’t convert another one of our chances.
“We’ve scored plenty of goals from a variety of different players this season, so it was just one of those days.
“Now we’ll look forward to facing a very good Charlton side and it should be a very competitive contest.”
Pompey: Beazley; Taylor, Atkinson, Rutherford, Bazan; Kempson, Clark, Sievwright (Frampton 61), Quinn; Hillier, Umotong
Subs not used: Samain, Stephens, Currie