Pompey Women endured a frustrating afternoon in Kent as they slipped to a National League defeat at Gillingham.
They were on top for most of the contest, only for their opponents to show a more clinical edge to come away with all three points.
Phoebe Leitch, Mel Espinosa and Kara Fordjour all found the net – the latter in the dying moments – against a Blues side who could not capitalise on their superior possession.
Jay Sadler made two changes from the side that hit 11 unanswered goals past Hounslow the previous week.
Hayley Bridge and Rebekah Tonks both returned to the starting line-up, in place of Rosie McDonnell and Tamsin de Bunsen.
The visitors started brightly, but Shannon Albuery’s weaving run ended with a tame shot straight at Cara Davies.
Sammy Quayle then nodded wide before Dani Lane angled an effort across the face of goal, as the Blues sought a breakthrough.
But instead it was the Gills who forged ahead against the run of play, courtesy of Leitch, on 29 minutes.
Pompey tried to hit back before the break and a free-kick from the lively Lane was tipped over the bar by Davies.
Half Time: Gillingham 1 Pompey 0
The away side continued to dominate the overall play once the action restarted, but were being frustrated in their attempts to find a leveller.
They did go close just past the hour mark, though, as Albuery nodded down Lane’s cross and Jade Bradley fired over.
And they were then caught by another sucker punch, as Espinosa found the target with Gillingham’s first attack of the half.
It did not look like being Pompey’s day and when Ava Rowbotham’s strike arrowed towards the net, it was cleared from the line.
Changes were made by Sadler in an attempt to find a route back into the contest and the Blues remained on the front foot.
But a frustrating afternoon was rounded off in stoppage-time, when Kara Fordjour netted for the hosts.
Pompey: Haughton; Tonks (McDonnell 67), Gotch, Gane; Rowe (c); Quayle, Rowbotham, F.Jones (Bradley 58), Bridge (Younger 79); Lane, Albuery
Sub not used: Kingshott
🎥 Head coach Jay Sadler reflects on this afternoon's defeat#Pompey pic.twitter.com/CLVAGbxg3D
— Portsmouth Women (@PompeyWomen) October 3, 2021