Blues beaten 5-0 in second round
Pompey Ladies crashed out of the Women’s FA Cup with a heavy second round defeat to fellow Premier League Southern Division side Charlton at The Valley.
It was the high-flying hosts who made the brighter start and Charlotte Lee sent a volley straight into Courtney Trodd’s arms before Kim Dixson fired narrowly over from the edge of the box.
And Trodd then made a superb save to deny Kit Graham, flying across her goal to stop a shot bound for the top corner.
But the Blues did have opportunities of their own and Gemma Hillier’s effort was kept out by Alex Baker, while a Katie James strike flew just past the post.
Charlton broke the deadlock on 36 minutes, however, when Grace Coombs cross from the right was glanced home by Dixson.
And they doubled their advantage just before the interval, with Graham powerfully heading an Avilla Bergin corner past Trodd.
The Addicks then made the perfect start to the second half, as another set-piece delivery from Bergin was turned into the net, this time by Katie Bottom.
A fourth goal arrived near the hour mark when Bergin’s corner ricocheted around the Blues box before Graham took control and lifted the ball home.
She then completed her hat-trick soon after and it was a familiar story as another Bergin cross was headed past Trodd.
The game had long since been put beyond Pompey’s reach, but they kept fighting and Baker had to be alert to beat away Hillier’s long-range strike.
And she made an even better stop deep into injury-time to keep out Eilidh Currie’s fine 30-yard curling effort.
Blues boss Jay Sadley said: “The scoreline didn’t portray our overall performance. We played some exciting attacking football and created good chances, but just couldn’t put one away.
“If you don’t take your chances then you will be punished – especially when you’re playing sides like Charlton.
“They scored their second in first half stoppage-time and that really knocked the stuffing out of us, although the girls never gave up.
“Playing at The Valley was a fantastic experience and the support from our fans was absolutely fantastic – they never stopped singing throughout.
“We are in a transition period and while this may sound a bit silly, I try to look through the final score and analyse the performances.
“Anyone watching that match as a neutral will admit the football was enthralling – it was exciting and quick.
“Our decision making and composure in the final third could be improved, but once we nail that, I really do believe we can put teams to the sword.
“There will be a time when it clicks and the goals go in. When that happens the sky is the limit to how far we can travel.
Pompey: Trodd, Bazan, Tonks, Currie, Capel-Watson (Kirby 78), Kempson (Peck 78), Sievwright, James, Stephens (Carleton 63), Hillier (c), Quayle
Subs not used: Burns, Iusan