Ladies inspired by Paul Cook's Pompey

The performance of the men at Fratton Park against Bournemouth on Saturday will serve as inspiration for Pompey Ladies.
Sarah Kempson. Picture: Mick YoungSarah Kempson. Picture: Mick Young
Sarah Kempson. Picture: Mick Young

Perry Northeast’s team go in search of an FA Women’s Cup upset on Sunday when they travel to Aston Villa in the third round.

It’s an exciting challenge for the Blues, who will be starting as underdogs against established FA Women’s Super League opponents.

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However, the feeling in the camp is that Pompey have got their preparation spot on and have good enough players to beat any side in the country.

And they were lifted by what they saw from Paul Cook’s team, who gave Premier League Bournemouth a big scare with some great football before eventually losing 2-1 in the FA Cup on Saturday.

Strength and conditioning coach Jason Campbell is confident the Blues will be on top of their game against Villa.

He said: ‘This is a massive game.

‘Since the draw, the focus of everything has been the Aston Villa match.

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‘We know Aston Villa are a quality team, they are in their pre-season and will be fresh.

‘They are very well drilled and very well managed.

‘Our players were really inspired by what they saw from the men’s team against Bournemouth.

‘We have players in our squad who are big Pompey fans and proud to wear the shirt.

‘They were excited when Portsmouth scored, they are fans just like the rest of us.’

It’s been a good start to 2016 for Pompey Ladies.

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They beat Cardiff 2-0 in the FA Premier League southern division.

Sarah Kempson and Lucy Quinn got the goals.

Then on Thursday night the Blues marched on to the semi-finals of the Hampshire Cup with a 10-1 victory over Shanklin.

Unfortunately the league match against Forest Green Rovers was called off with Gosport’s Privett Park pitch waterlogged on Sunday.

But the Blues were able to get some good training in and they know rain won’t be an issue for the cup tie at Villa.

The match will be hosted on their 3G pitch.

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Campbell believes the Blues can call on a bit of grit and determination in an effort to knock Villa out of their stride.

He feels that if Pompey win the physical battle then they certainly have the quality to go on and progress.

‘We’ll go for it in a traditional Portsmouth way – with aggressive, committed football,’ added Campbell.

‘The players are up for the battle and we know we have the quality in the side to play good football.’

On Sunday Pompey Ladies development squad beat Lewes 3-0.

Sophie Phelps, Eilidh Currie and Katie James netted the goals to crown an excellent performance.