Katie fires hat-trick as Portsmouth avenge early-season Hampshire Women’s League hockey defeat in style

Katie Spooner struck a hat-trick in Portsmouth's 7-1 win against Romsey. Picture: Keith Woodland

The hosts were ahead within five minutes when a lovely fluid move ended with Spooner netting.

It was 2-0 from a penalty corner - Sam Hassall producing a wonderful low drag flick which was too good for the Romsey defence.

Lauren Stewart and Spooner netted either side of a Romsey reply to make it 4-1 at the interval.

Spooner completed her treble with a beautiful set piece goal from a penalty corner.

A brilliant drive into the circle from Jenny Turvey saw her on the scoresheet with Spooner setting up Katie Poulson Pond to complete the rout.

Third-placed Portsmouth’s next game is at second-placed Basingstoke on February 22.

Goals from Beatrice Gall and Becky Clay gave Portsmouth 2nds a 2-1 victory over Havant 4ths.

Portsmouth 4ths failed to take advantage of winning three early short corners as they lost 5-1 at home to Yateley.

It was 3-0 at half-time despite the great defensive efforts of Sam Pratt, Amy Moore, Jess Thompson, Emma Hand and Issy Slack.

Mandy Wood struck a second half consolation from a Jemma Gard pass.

Player of the match was awarded to Jess Thompson.

Portsmouth 5ths produced a remarkable performance to turn the Hampshire Division 7 formbook upside down.

The second bottom city team travelled to leaders Poole, who thrashed them 16-0 earlier in the season.

But it was a different story this time as Michelle Hughes and Gemma English giving the visitors a stunning 2-0 half-time lead.

Poole pulled one back with 15 minutes to go and grabbed a leveller with just seconds to spare - cruelly denying Portsmouth only a second win in 12 league matches.

Captain Jess Gregory-Perry enthused: ‘Words can’t describe the sense of pride I have for the girls as we are always improving.

‘They have shown that working together as a team, continuing to build trust between ourselves, believing in our own ability and staying positive, that no-one should ever under-estimate us and what we can do!’