Portsmouth Football Club News

Pompey 5 Havant Waterlooville 0 Pompey Ladies regained the Hampshire Women’s Cup with a comprehensive victory over local rivals Havant Waterlooville at Westleigh Park. From kick-off the Blues were clearly the more dominant of the two sides as their quality and pace set them apart from the Hawks, who compete two divisions below their neighbours. Despite a strong start Pompey were unable to capitalise on a few early chances and it wasn’t until the 43rd minute that the deadlock was broken, when Gemma Hillier passed to Kirsty McGEE, who shot low into the bottom left-hand corner of the net. Half Time: Pompey 1 Havant Waterlooville 0 The Blues came out in positive fashion after the break and doubled their lead within five minutes when McGEE struck in spectacular fashion with a 25-yard effort that found the top corner. Gemma HILLIER got the better of a Hawks defender in the box and sidefooted the ball past the keeper to get Pompey’s third of the afternoon on 65 minutes. Just four minutes later she found herself in a similar position, but was felled as she attempted the same manoeuvre. The referee pointed to the spot and in an exceptionally sporting move, Pompey’s usual penalty-taker Leeta Rutherford stepped aside to allow the Blues’ skipper a chance to complete her hat-trick – which McGEE duly did. RUTHERFORD’s generosity was rewarded on 71 minutes when she completed the rout from close range. Manager Vanessa Raynbird was naturally delighted by Pompey’s Hampshire Cup victory – their fifth in six years. “It was a really pleasing performance,” she said. “It’s fantastic to have the cup back after a year’s break – although Lisa Langrish and Kerry Fisher have retained it as they were part of the Bournemouth side who won it last year. “We played really well and I think it’s fair to say we outplayed them, although they worked very hard. “Kirsty had a great game – she scored a hat-trick and was also named player of the match. “However, I think all the girls played extremely well. It was a really good, all-round performance which was lovely to watch. “It’s fantastic to get a bit of silverware and it’s a real boost to morale and confidence. “The girls are ecstatic – especially as it was against our closest rivals. We obviously know a lot of the Havant team, so there was a lot of pride at stake!” Pompey: Lee, Crewe (Beaumont), Murphy, Fisher, Kirby, Hillier, McGee (c) (Swallow), Rutherford, Thorp, Nash (Hier), Langrish Subs not used: Miles, Poore

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