A Rachel Panting penalty ensured that Pompey Women began the new year with three points against QPR at the PMC Stadium.
The forward slotted home the only goal of the game early in the second half following a foul on Katie James.
Jay Sadler handed a debut to Hannah Haughton between the sticks after the goalkeeper arrived from Southampton the previous week.
There was also a first home appearance for winger Alex Collighan, who signed from Chichester in November.
QPR were one of two sides – the other being C&K Basildon – who had yet to taste victory in the National League South this season.
And yet it was the visitors who started on the front foot, with Courtnay Ward-Chambers and Hollie Hogan both having chances in the early stages.
Pompey were left pleading foul when Collighan raced through and was brought down, but the referee waved play on.
They created their first real opportunity on 32 minutes, as Eilidh Currie cut the ball back for Esther Anu, who saw her effort saved by Gillian Kasirye.
It was proving to be a largely even contest, although decent defending was needed to prevent Whitney Locke getting a shot away for the Londoners just before the break.
Half Time: Pompey 0 QPR 0
Pompey were quickly out of the blocks following the restart and Collighan’s strike was well saved, while Currie sent a 25-yard free-kick over.
James had a similar long-range attempt when Collighan was fouled and her effort flew agonisingly past the post.
But they had a better chance to break the deadlock when James was brought down inside the box, leaving the referee with no choice but to point to the spot.
It was PANTING who stepped up to take the penalty and slotted the ball calmly into the bottom corner.
With QPR pushing forward in search of an equaliser, Currie almost took advantage and saw her shot flash narrowly off target.
Becki Bath was then introduced for her Blues bow and gave a good account of herself, sending an effort over in stoppage-time.
And the hosts held firm as the seconds ticked down, seeing the game out to secure their first points of 2019.
Blues boss Jay Sadler said: “It was a professional performance and a great way to start the year, giving us a solid foundation to build upon.”
Pompey: Haughton; Kirby, Southgate (c), Tonks, Currie; Perkins (Rowe 56), Bradley; Anu (Bath 74), James (Eadon 85), Collighan; Panting
Subs not used: Younger, May
The Blues are in action at the PMC Stadium again next Sunday, when bottom-of-the-table C&K Basildon visit the south coast (2pm kick-off).
Junior supporters can watch Pompey’s derby clash with rivals Southampton in the Hampshire Cup on January 20 for free. Click here for more details.