Blues beaten 3-0 in Kent
Pompey Ladies suffered a third successive defeat as they went down 3-0 at top-of-the-table Gillingham.
But the Blues almost broke the deadlock straight from kick-off, with Gemma Hillier intercepting a wayward pass and firing inches past the post.
It was the hosts who took the lead on 13 minutes, however, when Charlotte Gurr struck a sweet effort that Sadie Blakely could only help into the net.
Jade Keogh then extended their lead just before the break, running half the length of the pitch before unleashing a shot that flew in off the underside of the crossbar.
Pompey started the second half brightly, but Jay Blackie put the result beyond doubt on 58 minutes, pouncing to convert after the visitors had failed to fully clear a free-kick.
Gillingham had chances to score even more goals, but Blakely produced a string of fine saves to limit the damage.
Joint Blues boss Katie Poore said: “It was a great game of football to watch, but Gillingham were the better side.
“We didn’t play particularly badly, but we know we can perform better and there are things for us to work on.
“Our work-rate and commitment were excellent – it’s just that elusive goal that we’re looking for now. Once our strikers start scoring, then I believe it will be a different story.
“We were without Kaylee Schumann-Edwards, so we had to rejig our defence a bit. Kirsty McGee came in for her last game before joining Reading and did a good job.
“Gillingham were very complimentary about our display, so there are positives for us to take into our next fixture.”
Pompey: Blakely; Taylor (Kempson 60), Murphy, McGee, Bazan; Hunt (Frampton 46), Rutherford, Simmonds, Quinn; Hillier (c) (Bloomfield 72), Wilson
Sub not used: Lee
Photo: Michael Hulf
Photo: Michael Hulf