Late heartache for Pompey in Sussex
A stoppage-time goal cruelly denied Pompey Ladies a point against Lewes at The Dripping Pan.
The Sussex side twice went close early on, sending a header wide and forcing a fine save from Sadie Blakely.
But it was the Blues who broke the deadlock on 31 minutes when Kaylee Schumann-Edwards converted Lucy Quinn’s corner from close range.
Lewes levelled early in the second half, but Pompey responded and saw one shot hit the crossbar.
It looked both sides would have to settle for a share of the spoils, but the hosts capitalised on a loose ball in the box to snatch a winner right at the death.
Joint Blues boss Katie Poore said: “At times we looked good, but we never really flowed.
“We started very well and played some really attractive football – I thought we looked quite comfortable early on.
“But Lewes then started to slow the pace of the game down and that doesn’t really suit our style.
“We had a rubbish spell after that, but then looked comfortable again after we scored our goal.
“Lewes started the second half brightly, while we resembled a side that had never played together before.
“It wasn’t an end-to-end game – it was more of a battle really. I think both teams cancelled each out, so to concede so late was really disappointing.
“We play Lewes again in the cup next week and I know the girls are all determined to put things right.”
Pompey: Blakely; Simmonds, Schumann-Edwards, Murphy, Bazan; Quinn, McGee, Rutherford, Frampton (Badger); Wilson, Hillier (c)
Subs not used: Hunt, Crabb, Cox
Photos: Michael Hulf
Photos: Michael Hulf