Ladies hit five at Argyle
Ini Umotong bagged a hat-trick as Pompey Ladies romped to a 5-2 victory at Plymouth in the Premier League Southern Division.
She opened the scoring after just a few seconds, reacting quickly to slam home after Argyle keeper Rebecca Atkins could only parry Lucy Quinn’s drive.
Umotong almost doubled the advantage soon after, only to see a long-range effort cannon back off the crossbar.
But a second goal did arrive midway through the first half when she rose highest at the far post to convert Jess Frampton’s cross.
Plymouth reduced the deficit following the interval after Jessie Jones was left in space to head in from a corner.
Molly Clark restored the Blues’ two-goal advantage, however, after taking advantage of a poor clearance to fire home.
And the hosts’ afternoon soon got even worse, as Jones was dismissed for a second bookable offence.
Pompey made the most of their numerical advantage as Frampton was left unmarked to curl home a fourth goal.
Umotong then completed her treble with a close-range tap-in before substitute Molly Taylor grabbed a late Plymouth consolation from the penalty spot.
Blues boss Perry Northeast said: “It was an extremely encouraging performance and a very enjoyable afternoon for us.
“We asked them to go out there and make a bright start to the game, so it was pleasing to see us score almost straight from kick-off.
“That set the tone for the rest of the contest and we went on to record a comfortable win against a tough Plymouth side.
“We probably should have scored a few more and Ini hit the woodwork yet again – we looked threatening throughout.
“Ini hadn’t been in the goals as much as she was last season, but her confidence has never lowered and now I think she’ll go on to get plenty more.
“We’ve got a tough run of games coming up now that will really test our squad, so this result should give us plenty of confidence.”
Pompey: Beazley; Frampton, Rutherford, Currie (Atkinson 72), Bazan; Bloomfield (Tewkesbury 72), Clark (Kempson 60), Sievwright, Quinn; Umotong, Hillier
Subs not used: Samain, Benson