Pompey Women kicked off the FA Women’s National League season with a dominating performance and victory over last season’s title challengers C&K Basildon.
Daisy McLachlan hit a hat-trick, while Hannah Geer added a brace and Shannon Albuery also found the target.
Jay Sadler handed Ellie Russell and Jade Bradley their competitive Blues debuts for the trip to Essex.
And the visitors were in control right from the off, with the three goalscorers – among others – constantly in the action.
Their first goal of the new campaign arrived on 12 minutes when Carla Perkins’ corner was nodded on at the near post and the ball found its way to GEER, who fired into the top corner of the net.
Rachel Panting had a couple more chances in quick succession during the first half, as Pompey looked to increase their lead.
But it was GEER who added the second of the afternoon, on hand to fire home after several shots had been blocked in the box.
McLACHLAN then scored her first just before the interval, collecting the ball from Panting and firing a powerful strike past the Lauren Picton.
Half Time: C&K Basildon 0 Pompey 3
Following the restart, it took Pompey just five minutes to increase their already commanding advantage.
Debutant Bradley’s inch-perfect pass over the Basildon back-line found McLACHLAN and she guided her effort past Picton.
Number five arrived soon after, courtesy of an impressive ‘rabona’ from ALBUERY that flew into the top corner.
Pompey continued to dominate and when Panting was brought down in the box, the referee pointed to the spot.
It was McLACHLAN who had the responsibility of taking the penalty and slotted it home to complete her treble.
The hosts had a rare chance after winning a free-kick in the closing stages, but it was fired well over the bar.
That ensured a clean sheet for Pompey, who will look to continue their positive start when they host Gillingham at the PMC Stadium next Sunday (2pm kick-off).
"Dominant is the word I’d use. From start to finish we got the ball down and played our football."
Blues boss Sadler said: “Dominant is the word I’d use. From start to finish we got the ball down and played our football.
“We created a hatful of chances – there were about 30 shots in total. We were talking about being ruthless and I don’t think 3-0 at half-time did us justice.
“At times we tried to overplay, but we circulated the ball and I’m proud of the girls. It’s a great way to start the season.
Pompey: Levett; Kirby, Southgate, Russell, Geer; Rowe, Perkins, Bradley (Currie 62); Panting (May 74), Albuery (Eadon 62), McLachlan
Sub not used: Burns
🗣️ Sadler: "We got the ball down, played our football, attracted them on and created a hat-full of chances."
— Portsmouth FC Women (@officialpompeyw) August 19, 2018
🎥 Manager @Sadler004 reflects on his side's dominant opening day win against @CKBASILDON ⬇️#BlueTogether #JoinOurJourney 🔵⚪️ pic.twitter.com/EM2p7dg2WT