Pompey Women showed plenty of fight, but were narrowly beaten by neighbours Chichester at Oaklands Park.
They recovered from falling two goals down, but Daisy McLachlan’s strike proved to be just a consolation.
Following a cup loss on home soil earlier in the month, the Blues were looking to put things right in the league.
There was a quick start to the encounter, but it was the hosts who took the lead on 12 minutes when Hollie Wride’s cross drifted into the net.
Despite that, it was Pompey who were mostly in control throughout the contest, limiting their opponents to very few chances.
And they had a couple of opportunities to level before the break, with McLachlan and Rachel Panting both sending shots wide.
Half Time: Chichester 1 Pompey 0
The second half started in extremely lively fashion, as both teams came emerged quickly from the blocks.
But it was Chichester who were celebrating when Chloe Melton – who caused problems in the cup tie – tapped home at the far post after Molly Clark’s effort was blocked.
Pompey tried to mount a comeback and reduced the deficit when Danielle Rowe freed McLACHLAN down the line and her powerful effort beat Lauren Dolbear.
The hosts had the ball in the net again moments later, only for a linesman’s flag to come to the rescue.
But it was the away side applying all of the pressure late on, with Panting, McLachlan and Shannon Albuery – among others – all having chances to equalise.
They kept pushing right up until the final whistle, but Chichester held on for the victory and remain top of the National League South.
Pompey will now search for a return to winning ways when they host Watford at the PMC Stadium on Sunday (2pm kick-off).
Blues boss Jay Sadler said: “I couldn’t ask for any more from this group and am gutted they didn’t get what they deserve.”
Pompey: Levett, Tonks, Southgate, Russell, Currie (Albuery 62), Bradley, Rowe (Perkins 78), Panting, James (Carter 77), Geer, McLachlan
Subs not used: Kirby, May