Quinn and Hillier on target against Brighton
Pompey Ladies kept up their title hopes with a 2-1 victory over Brighton at Privett Park.
They now sit just one point behind leaders Cardiff in the Premier League Southern Division table – and have a game in hand over the Welsh side.
The hosts broke the deadlock on 29 minutes when Sarah Kempson burst down the left and crossed for Lucy Quinn to fire home.
And they doubled their advantage early in the second half, with Gemma Hillier collecting Charley Wilson’s pass before turning and volleying past Seagulls stopper Faye Baker.
Brighton did pull a goal back on 80 minutes, as Fliss Gibbons’ reacted quickest after Sadie Blakely had parried clear Deanna Cooper’s effort.
Blakely then made a fine stop to deny Sophie Perry at the death as Pompey held on for all three points.
Blues boss Perry Northeast said: “It was a good result and the girls were fantastic. We stuck to our game-plan perfectly.
“There were a couple of scares towards the end, but Brighton are also doing well at the top of the table and were always going to create openings.
“We stayed strong and resolute at the back, while also being clinical at the other end of the pitch.
“Brighton’s manager said before the game that he expected us to slip up at some point, while they kept us waiting in the dressing room.
“I suppose that was some sort of psychological ploy, but the girls certainly weren’t fazed by it.
“We celebrated at the final whistle, although now our focus turns to the next game and we have to remain consistent if we want to win the league.”
Pompey: Blakely; Frampton, Taylor, Rutherford, Bazan (Currie 90); Clark, Sievwright (Bloomfield 86), Kempson; Quinn, Wilson, Hillier
Meanwhile, Vanessa Raynbird has left the club after 12 years of service as manager and later director of football.
Pompey Ladies chairman David Coyle said: “We would like to thank Vanessa for everything she has done for us and wish her all the very best for the future.”
Photo: Jordan Hampton