Pompey Women shared six goals with Ipswich in an entertaining friendly contest at the Suffolk side’s training base.
Jade Widdows had to cancel out a Natasha Thomas opener, but it was the home side who battled back twice in the closing stages.
Shannon Albuery and Widdows twice put the Blues in front, only for Zoe Barratt and Anna Grey to hit back for the Tractor Girls.
Jay Sadler made four changes from the side that faced Cheltenham in the FA Cup, with Eilidh Currie, Freya Jones, Becki Bath and Albuery all returning.
The hosts took an early lead when Thomas stabbed the ball into the net from a few yards out after Paige Peake’s corner had been turned towards the target by Lindsey Cooper.
Pompey tried to hit back and find an equaliser, although a long-range strike from Bath flew narrowly over the crossbar.
But they had to wait until after the restart to score themselves, as Kat Cunningham’s delivery from the left was tucked away by WIDDOWS.
Albuery might have given them the lead just past the hour mark after latching onto a long ball by Hannah Haughton, only to see her shot well saved by Nina Meollo.
It looked as though the game would finish 1-1, but both sides managed to score twice in a crazy nine-minute spell in the closing stages.
Cunningham was involved again for the first of them, cutting inside and laying the ball off for ALBUERY to fire home.
Ipswich’s response was immediate, with Sophie Peskett providing the assist for Barratt to slam past Haughton.
WIDDOWS restored Pompey’s lead just a few seconds later, though, rounding Meollo and calmly placing the ball into the net.
But Grey soon drew the hosts level and Haughton ensured they did not grab a late winner by making a fine save to deny Peskett.
Pompey: Haughton; Rowe, Currie, Tonks; Bridge, Jones, Bradley (c), Cunningham; Albuery, James, Bath
Subs: Younger, Butcher, Woodard, Rowbotham, Widdows
A really competitive fixture, posing plenty of challenges, but more importantly a valuable run out for the squad 💪🏻
— Jay Sadler (@Sadler004) April 18, 2021
Big thanks to @joe_sheehan1 and @ITFCWomen for their hospitality. It’s always a pleasure! 😄 #Pompey https://t.co/pMoMazKieU