Women's Report: Pompey 0-2 Saints

Ella Pusey scored both of the goals during the first half, the first coming after 15 minutes as she was played through by Ella Morris.

The second came on the stroke of half-time, Alisha Ware this time the provider for Pusey’s equally-as-cool second.

It started out as a very open affair; both sides making the most of their pace down each flank, Ella Morris in particular getting in behind during the opening stages.

It was a cross which almost put Saints ahead after ten minutes: Morris once again the feeder looking for Sophia Pharoah in the middle, but the eventual ball evaded both the target and the goalkeeper, who was flailing.

Soon, Saints were indeed one-up; Ella Morris played through by her sister Caitlin after 15 minutes, before squaring the ball into an unmarked Pusey in the middle, who coolly slotted home.

Portsmouth looked to respond, with Jade Bradley and Charmaine True combining to set the latter free.

Luckily for Saints the returning Rosie Parnell was there to slide in with a vital challenge at the death.

The visitors themselves did not lie down following their opener, goalscorer Pusey attempting to break the offside trap on multiple occasions but being caught.

As with many derbies the contest took place in midfield for the most part as the half shaped out to be a typically tight affair.

With the first 45 drawing to a close there was a further chance for Pompey, with Jade Bradley firing well over from a decent position on the edge of the box.

But it was Saints who got the second goal of the game on the stroke of half-time; Alisha Ware playing through Pusey for her second of the game, hitting her effort under keeper Hannah Haughton.

It was a very open start to the second half, with both sides looking for the game’s crucial next goal.

Saints’ best chance of the early second half flurry came down the right wing, with Panting crossing following Pusey’s flick on, only for Pompey to clear ahead of the onrushing Ware.

Pompey continued to threaten; Katie James seemingly finding space in the box just shy of the hour mark but for a vital Caitlin Morris tackle.

Kayla Rendell was called into action in the 72nd minute, tipping a close range Laura Ingram onto the bar as the home side continued to press.

The threat was still there from Saints on the counter attack, Panting again involved bursting forward but mistiming the pass into Ella Morris who was clean through.

Portsmouth had the lion’s share of possession as the second half wore on, but rarely troubled the Saints defence.

Ella Morris showed her lightning pace down the right once more with seven minutes to go, squaring the ball almost into the path of the lunging Pusey whose effort was well collected by Haughton.

The midfield pivot of Kirsty Whitton and Phoebe Williams impressed as the home side looked to launch attacks, stopping Pompey in their tracks on several occasions.

Substitute Shannon Albuery alongside Panting both had chances to extend Saints’ lead with the second half drawing to a close.

Ultimately it was a thoroughly deserved win for Spacey-Cale’s side, who booked their place in the semi-finals of the WNL Cup.

Their attentions now turn back to National League action, as they host Swindon Town at Snows Stadium on Sunday.