Pompey Ladies produced a dominant performance, but were beaten 2-0 by Crystal Palace at Bromley.
The visitors created a host of opportunities, but a brace from Gemma Bryan – the second from the spot – sealed the points for the Eagles.
Both sides threatened in an end-to-end opening to the contest, with Rachel Panting and Molly Clark both sending efforts off target.
Meanwhile, debutant keeper Robyn Levett was kept busy at the other end, saving shots from Nikita Whinnet and Bryan.
Pompey continued to push forward in search of an opener, but it was the hosts who scored against the run of play midway through the first half.
It was a stunning solo effort from Bryan, who surged down the left wing, cut onto her right foot and smashed the ball into the top corner.
Molly Clark then missed a great chance to level after being teed-up by Natasha Stephens, sending a rushed attempt into the stands.
Stephens then had a couple of shots of her own saved by Megan Lynch, with Nadine Bazan unable to convert when the latter was parried away.
A long-range drive from Amelia Southgate was also kept out after the interval, while a well-timed challenge denied Samantha Quayle.
But Pompey’s hopes of claiming a point were dashed late on when Eilidh Currie was penalised for a foul in the box and Bryan stepped up to convert the penalty.
And Bryan almost rubbed more salt into the wound by adding a third goal with a curling effort that struck the woodwork.
Blues boss Jay Sadler told the club’s official YouTube channel: “The result wasn’t a true reflection of the game and although I’m disappointed with the outcome, I’m pleased with our performance.
"There were one-on-ones and open goals that we missed – and it’s those moments that define games."
“We moved the ball with intensity and played some fantastic football, creating a lot of clear-cut opportunities.
“There were one-on-ones and open goals that we missed – and it’s those moments that define games.
“But we’ve got to look at the positives and the fact we’re frustrated about losing to Palace shows how far we’ve progressed.
“We changed a few things around and the girls seemed to play with a bit more fluidity and confidence.
“In large parts of the game we dominated possession and took the game to Palace, but we have to learn to kill teams off.”
Pompey: Levett; Currie, Widdowson, Southgate, Bazan (c); Perkins (Quayle 57), Sievwright (James 84), Clark, Stephens; Hillier (Albuery 86), Panting
Subs not used: Kirby, Peck