The website dedicated to women's football across the country, at ALL levels of the game

@en

Pompey Champions elect!

Portsmouth 3 Plymouth Argyle 0  

Portsmouth all but sealed the FAWNL Southern Premier Division title with a dominant 3-0 home win over Plymouth Argyle, meaning that their nearest challengers Hashtag United can only match their current points total.

Pompey's vastly superior goal difference is a virtual guarantee that they will be confirmed as champions at some point in the next few weeks.

 

There was absolutely no sign of any title clinching nerves as Portsmouth dominated from the first whistle and got the early lead they sought. A 10th minute Emma Jones corner was forced home by Leeta Rutherford at the far post.

 

A second goal soon followed for the hosts, albeit with a slice of luck. Georgie Freeland was in the act of shooting on the right of the box when Argyle skipper Giota Papaioannou sent the ball past debuting keeper Lily Felgate as she attempted a last ditch tackle.

 

There was no let up from the home side as they continued to press high and stopped Argyle from mounting any offensive moves of their own. Chances came and went and the visitors were no doubt glad of the break to regroup.

 

A young Argyle side returned with real resolve and kept the Pompey forwards at bay through much of the second half. The back four were tireless in their defensive work with the skipper leading by example and keeper Felgate made a string of fine saves, showing good handling and reactions and bravery in one on one situations.

 

Plymouth also managed a few sorties forward without ever seriously testing Hannah Haughton but finally allowing their defenders some respite from the relentless intensity of Pompey's excellent team play.

 

It was not until the 86th minute that the third goal came and again there was an element of misfortune as the otherwise excellent Amii Kearley blocked a cross with an arm and Riva Casley stepped up to convert the penalty in style, low into the left corner.

 

Portsmouth may possibly take the field at Cheltenham on April 21st as champions or may still require a point for their first Southern Premier title since the 2014-15 season. Their avowed aim is 20 wins out of 22 matches which will require two more wins in their final games.

Portsmouth: Hannah Haughton, Nicole Barrett, Danielle Lane, Riva Casley, Isobel Collins, Georgie Freeland, Leeta Rutherford, Alison Hall, Daisy McLachlan, Emma Jones, Sophie Quirk. Subs: Scarlett Williams, Ava Rowbotham, Tierney Scott, Ella Humphrey, Emily Pitman.

Plymouth Argyle: Lily Felgate, Katie Dickson, Giota Papaioannou, Lucy Hack, Charlotte Whitmore, Ellie Sara, Georgie Knott, Taya Pomfret, Erin O’Shea, Amii Kearley, Mia Endacott. Subs: Jasmine Read, Fern Orchard, Emily Elliot.

 

  

Back to home page