Pompey Ladies roared back to winning ways with a 2-1 victory over title-chasing C&K Basildon at Bognor’s Nyewood Lane.
But it was the visitors who were first to threaten and Mel Burns was called into early action to deny Angela Addison.
The Blues were soon given a chance to open the scoring, however, and after Sammy Quayle had been brought down in the box, Daisy McLachlan fired home from the spot,
They then set about dominating the remainder of the first half and it came as no surprise when the advantage was doubled before the break.
It was a stunning goal from McLachlan that ensured the lead was a commanding one, with the winger’s acrobatic over-head effort flying into the net.
But C&K Basildon were handed a lifeline just after the interval, with Addison beating Burns to halve the deficit.
The same player then missed the chance to equalise when another penalty was awarded, before sending the follow-up over the bar.
Pompey were put under some pressure as the visitors went in search of a draw, but they comfortably held on to secure the three points.
Blues boss Jay Sadler told the club’s official YouTube channel: “It was a really good performance from every single player – the work-rate, passion and desire was absolutely superb.
"I can’t fault any of the players who were out there on the pitch because they gave everything for the team."
“Daisy scored her penalty and took the second goal really well, while our overall link-up play with the other forwards was great.
“I can’t fault any of the players who were out there on the pitch because they gave everything for the team.
“We had to be more resilient in the second half and there were some bodies thrown on the line, although we perhaps needed to look after the ball more.
“Now we’ve got two big games remaining this season, so we’ve got to recover and rest. All our focus now is on Thursday’s cup final against Southampton.”
Pompey: Burns; Kirby, Simmons (Currie 84), Southgate, Peck; Sievwright; Panting (May 90+4), Albuery (Geer 72), Boswell (c), McLachlan; Quayle
Sub not used: Perkins