Pompey Ladies got their campaign off to a superb start with a 4-1 thrashing of Cardiff at Westleigh Park.
But the goals were not the only talking point from a pulsating contest, as both teams ended the game with just 10 players on the players.
There were three minutes on the clock when Shannon Albuery – making her competitive debut – converted Molly Clark’s corner with a firm header.
And it was not long before Natasha Stephens doubled the advantage with a wonder strike that provided an early contender for goal of the season.
Cardiff did reduce their deficit when Jade Widdowson inadvertently turned a free-kick into her own net.
But the Blues restored their two-goal lead on the stroke of half-time, with Samantha Quayle quickest to react after Albuery’s effort had been parried clear.
"They showed grit and fight – and they deserved the three points."
The visitors received some hope on 63 minutes, however, when Michelle Beazley rushed from her line to deal with an attack.
But the keeper only succeeded in taking out her opponent and, despite the ball trickling into the net, the referee decided to pull play back and issue a red card.
Cardiff then had a dismissal of their own late on, with Laura Williams sent off for a shove on Stephens.
And Pompey compounded the Welsh side’s misery when Clark’s cross ended up flying into the top corner of the net.
Blues boss Jay Sadler told the club’s official YouTube channel: “It was a good performance overall from the girls and we came out of the traps really well.
“We created a lot of opportunities and put plenty of pressure on Cardiff – and we got our just rewards with the goals.
“In the second half we were in control of the game until the sending off and then we had to ask the girls to dig in.
“They showed grit and fight – and they deserved the three points. I was really proud of their performance.
“Our squad is strong and now I’m just looking forward to the next game against Coventry. We’ll prepare properly for that.”
Pompey: Beazley; Peck (Paines 65), Southgate, Widdowson, Bazan (c); Quayle, Simmons (Currie 55), Clark, Stephens; Panting (James 55), Albuery
Subs not used: Perkins, Geer