Quinn, Rutherford and Sievwright on target
Pompey Ladies kept their Premier League title hopes alive with a comfortable 3-0 victory at struggling Forest Green.
The result leaves them 10 points behind leaders Brighton – who they face on Sunday – with two games in hand.
It was a bright start from the visitors and they took the lead after just 15 minutes when Lucy Quinn cut inside from the right and fired home a left-footed finish.
And Leeta Rutherford converted Molly Clarke’s corner to double the advantage midway through the first half.
The centre-back looked to have added another from close range just before the break, but the referee spotted an infringement and disallowed it.
However, there was still time for a third goal when Forest Green only partially cleared a corner and a grateful Shannon Sievwright fired home.
The hosts’ best spell of the game came early in the second half and Pompey keeper Michelle Beazley was forced into action on a couple of occasions.
But there was still plenty of action at the other end of the pitch, with Gemma Hillier and Quinn both going close to finding the target.
Blues boss Perry Northeast: “We were pleasantly surprised that the game even went ahead because of the terrible weather.
“Credit must go to Forest Green for ensuring that we were able to play, although the conditions deteriorated as the match progressed and the pitch was very bobbly.
“So it was important that we got off to a strong start and thankfully we did our best work in the first half.
“All things considered, to score three goals, keep a clean sheet and – most importantly – collect all three points is an excellent result.
“We’re in a good run of form at the moment, although we’ve been playing well for most of the season and it was just a frustrating spell in October that cost us.
“But we’re in confident mood at the moment and looking forward to going to Brighton for a humdinger of a game.
“It’s a contest that could have massive implications at the top of the table and there will be a few sides keeping a close eye on proceedings.
“We know that both teams will be doing all they can to win the game and we’ll make sure that the girls are fully prepared for the test.”
Pompey: Beazley; Taylor, Atkinson, Rutherford, Bazan; Bloomfield (Stephens 60), Sievwright, Clark; Quinn, Hillier (Jeal 73), Sherwood (Benson 89)