After a 100 per cent record in October, Pompey Women began the new month with a narrow defeat at Crawley.
Emma Plewa netted the only goal of the contest in Sussex, although both sides had chances to add to the scoring.
Jay Sadler made two changes from the side that battled from behind to beat Gillingham the previous week.
Kat Cunningham and Hayley Bridge both came into the starting line-up, with Charmaine True and Abi Mason dropping to the bench.
The visitors had an early opportunity to break the deadlock, with Cunningham’s effort deflected by Hope Nash and cleared to safety.
But Hannah Haughton was then called into action at the other end, making a fine save at her near post to deny Plewa.
And the keeper was at it again midway through the first time, this time tipping a powerful Nikita Whinnett strike against the bar.
But she could do nothing to prevent the Wasps from taking the lead a few moments later, as Immy Lancaster hooked the ball into the path of Plewa, who slotted home.
The Blues tried to hit back, although the normally prolific Becki Bath could only drag wide from Rosie McDonnell’s cut-back.
Half Time: Crawley 1 Pompey 0
The hosts came close to doubling their advantage once the action restarted, as Haughton got down well to prevent Ellie Russell from converting a Rachel Palmer delivery.
And the busy Blues stopper then managed to push a chipped attempt from the lively Whinnett around the post.
Sadler looked to the bench to provide some inspiration, throwing on Shannon Albuery to make her latest debut for the club.
But it was Bath who came close to levelling just past the hour mark, courtesy of a shot from the edge of the box that flashed narrowly wide.
Pompey had two good shouts for a penalty turned down by the officials as they pushed forward in search of a goal.
And they almost found one deep into stoppage-time, only for Katie James’ attempt to be palmed behind by Megen Lynch.
Pompey: Haughton; Younger, Ingram, Rowe; Cunningham (Albuery 58), Rowbotham, Bradley (c) (True 87), McDonnell (Currie 82); Bridge, James, Bath
Subs not used: Tonks, Mason