Pompey Ladies bid to maintain cup tradition

The Blues have been the dominant force in the area for many seasons.

Last year they beat Southampton Saints 4-1 in the final to lift the trophy.

This time Basingstoke will be the opposition at Westleigh Park (7.45pm).

Manager Northeast is looking forward to an excellent occasion.

He said: ‘A cup final is always nice.

Everyone likes to be playing and coaching under lights.

‘It gives you a buzz and the Hampshire FA put on good events.

‘For us it has come at the right time.

‘Our excellent record in the competition is down to the good work of the staff before me, like previous manager Vanessa Raynbird.

‘We will be looking to keep the traditions of the club going.

‘The players work really hard and it would be nice to have a good crowd to cheer them on.

‘We haven’t played at Havant for a while, so hopefully the Pompey contingent around there will turn out and cheer us on.’

Northeast’s side were beaten 1-0 by Lewes on Sunday in the FA Premier League southern division, in difficult weather conditions at Privett Park.

Lewes started well as a strong wind made it tricky and Blues keeper Michelle Beazley was called into action for an early save.

Brittany Jeal, 18, played well on her full debut for Pompey in the centre of midfield.

She looked composed on the ball and helped keep the team in possession.

Molly Clark and Lucy Quinn had efforts for Pompey but it was the visitors who took the lead.

Tash Wells found the back of the net with a low shot on 38 minutes.

Before the break it looked like the hosts were going to get level but Rutherford’s effort was blocked on the line by a Lewes defender.

Pompey improved their energy levels after the break but Lewes were able to hold out to secure the win.

Northeast added: ‘In the first half we weren’t at our best but Lewes scored quite a nice goal.

‘We upped the tempo in the second half but it was just the quality of the final ball we were lacking.’

Tomorrow the focus for Pompey switches to the cup final before they play at home again in the league on Sunday when they welcome Forest Green Rovers.

POMPEY LADIES: Beazley, Benson, Bazan, Rutherford, Taylor, Sievwright, Clark, Jeal, Quinn, Kempson, Hillier. Subs: Trodd, Bloomfield, Capel-Watson, Stephens, Sherwood