Sherwood, Kempson and Hillier on target for Blues
Pompey Ladies eased to a 3-0 victory over struggling Forest Green in their penultimate match of the season.
All of the goals arrived in the first half, as the Blues recovered from back-to-back league defeats in confident fashion.
They broke the deadlock after just four minutes when Emma Sherwood collected the ball, turned sharply and sent a shot looping into the net.
Sarah Kempson then doubled the advantage, latching onto a superb pass from Ellie Bloomfield and chipping the ball over Abbie Morrissey in the Rovers goal.
And Gemma Hillier ensured that all three points were wrapped up with just 25 minutes on the clock.
Pompey’s skipper was on hand to slam the ball home after Morrissey could only tip Tash Stephens’ cross onto the bar.
Forest Green did not do much to threaten the three-goal lead, although Michelle Beazley was called into action to deny Sammy Hallsworth on the hour mark.
Most of the action was taking place at the other end of the pitch, however, and debutant Rebecca Bell almost made a dream start, only to be denied by Morrissey.
Blues boss Perry Northeast said: “We did all the damage in the first half – which is something I’ve said on a few occasions this season.
“Forest Green were stronger after the break, but we were resolute and didn’t allow them the chance to get back into the game.
“We were impressive in spells and played some really attractive football at times, but the result was a real team effort.
“Now we’re looking to finish the season strongly and end how we started – by beating a really strong Cardiff side.
“We want to collect all three points and show that we can still mix it with the very best teams in this division.
“It was nice for Rebecca to make her debut and she came very close to marking it with a goal.
“It just shows that if you play consistently well for the development side, then your opportunity will come.”
Pompey: Beazley; Taylor, Atkinson, Rutherford, Bazan; Kempson, Bloomfield (Sievwright 83), Clark; Stephens (Bell 55), Sherwood (Quinn 70), Hillier
Subs: Trodd, Capel-Watson