Blues beaten by Sheffield
Pompey Ladies have missed out on a place in the Women’s Super League following a narrow play-off defeat to Sheffield.
The champions of the Premier League’s southern and northern division faced off in Stratford for the sole promotion slot.
And an injury-time strike from Lisa Giampalma meant it was the latter who were celebrating at the final whistle.
The Blues were missing several key players, but Charley Wilson came close to breaking the deadlock in the early stages.
Sheffield grew stronger as the game progressed and teenage keeper Courtney Trodd made a super stop to deny Jodie Michalska.
Sarah Kempson then forced a save from Claire Wallhead at the other end, while Lucy Quinn’s volley was also kept out after the interval.
But, with just seconds remaining, Michalska fed Giampalma, who rounded Trodd and slotted home the winner.
Blues boss Perry Northeast said: “Neither side deserved to lose. It was a good game between two evenly-matched sides.
“We had two chances just before they broke away to score and the Sheffield keeper made some great saves.
“It was a bitter pill to swallow – unfortunately it just wasn’t meant to be for us on the day.
“But we are the champions of the southern half of England at our level and that is something to be proud of.”
Pompey: Trodd; Frampton, Currie, Bloomfield (O’Callaghan 89), Bazan (Taylor 60); Kempson, Sievwright, Clark, Quinn; Wilson, Hillier
Sub not used: Goodall
Photo: Jordan Hampton
Photo: Jordan Hampton