A goalseither side of the interval ensured Pompey Women beat C&K Basildon to start 2019 with successive victories.
Eilidh Currie neatly lobbed Chelsea Hinz to give them the lead midway through the first half at the PMC Stadium.
Jade Bradley was then fed the ball by Katie James from a free-kick to fire home with conviction and secure the points.
Jay Sadler made two changes from the side that began the year by beating QPR, with Shannon Albuery – who has returned on loan from Yeovil – and Danielle Rowe both coming in.
The visitors were sitting bottom of the table and without a league win this season, so travelled south looking for a change of fortunes.
But it was the Blues who stated the game on the front foot, with Alex Collighan’s cross almost finding Albuery at the back post.
Rachel Panting – full of confidence after her penalty secured victory last time out – also created several openings.
And after doing well to control Daneille Rowe’s pass, she had an effort blocked by a defender on 23 minutes.
But Pompey were ahead just seconds later, as an ambitious attempt from CURRIE, who was located just inside the opposition half, sailed over Hinz and into the net.
They continued to push forward in search of more goals, with Panting, James and Albuery all having chances.
Meanhile, there were 40 minutes on the clock before Basildon finally provided a threat, as Hannah Haughton kept out Holly Turner’s 25-yard shot.
Collighan soon had another opportunity at the opposite end of the pitch, although the winger’s strike hit the side netting.
Pompey were playing some nice football and a neat passing move was rounded off by Rowe firing narrowly over the bar.
Half Time: Pompey 1 C&K Basildon 0
The hosts began where they had left off following the restart, with James seeing her free-kick saved after Albuery had been brought down.
Panting then went close to getting on the scoresheet, beating a defender on the edge of the box and watching her strike cannon back off the crossbar.
But a second goal did eventually arrive just past the hour mark after Colligan was fouled on the edge of the box.
James played the ball back to BRADLEY, who saw her powerful effort fly into the top corner to ensure the Blues were firmly in control.
Albuery had been enjoying an impressive debut of sorts and was involved in a lot of build-up play, while one attempt curled just off target.
It was a quieter afternoon for Haughton on her second start for the club and the keeper did well to maintain her concentration.
The action was mostly taking place at the other end and Pompey tried to increase their lead against a Basildon side who were growing frustrated.
That was certainly evident when Sophie Rhodes collided with Ellie Kirby, which saw both players shown a yellow card.
Another penalty might have been awarded when James was caught in mid-air while attempting a scissor kick, although the referee waved play on.
But the Blues saw out the closing stages with ease to secure a convincing victory and bright start to the new year.
Pompey: Haughton; Kirby, Southgate, Tonks, Currie; Rowe, Bradley (Perkins 77); Panting (Bath 88), James, Collighan (Eadon 67); Albuery
Subs not used: Younger, May
There is a derby contest next Sunday when Southampton visit the PMC Stadium in the quarter-finals of the Hampshire Cup (1.45pm kick-off). Junior supporters can watch the game for free – click here for more details.