Portsmouth Women secured their 15th Hampshire Cup with a 3-1 victory over Southampton at Testwood Stadium.

Played in front of a record crowd of 577, the Blues were made to work for their victory over a side 2nd in the league below, but a professional performance ensured that the Hampshire Cup stayed in Portsmouth.

Southampton looked the more relaxed of the two sides in the opening ten minutes, with a few wayward passes from the Blues as they tried to settle.

But 2 goals in 2 minutes put Pompey firmly in the driving seat. The first was a fine strike from Danielle Rowe on the edge of the box following Bradley’s corner.

The second came almost immediately after, with Albuery tapping home from close range following a mix-up at the back.

Portsmouth dominated the rest of the first half, and a deserved third goal came just before the break.

Pompey hit the Saints on the counter, with Panting, Albuery and Bradley bearing down on goal. Bradley took aim from the edge of the area and smashed home Pompey’s third of the night.

Pompey fans a lot more relaxed than at Wembley on Sunday!

HALF TIME PORTSMOUTH 3-0 SOUTHAMPTON

After the break, Southampton looked desperate for an early goal and started at a frantic pace, even dispossessing goalkeeper Burns twice but they could not squeeze it home.

Portsmouth were a threat on the counter, with the pace of Panting and James causing problems for the Saints at the back.

They finally found the back of the net just after the hour mark, with substitute Barister scoring from long range following a corner.

Pompey looked comfortable for the remaining 20 minutes and controlled the game well. The final whistle was most welcome!

FULL TIME PORTSMOUTH 3-1 SOUTHAMPTON

2 cup wins, 2 record attendances, it’s a good week to be a Pompey fan!

Pompey: Burns; Currie, Younger, Southgate (c), Tonks; Rowe, Perkins (Kirby 79); Panting, Bradley, James; Albuery (May 87)

Photos:  Jordan Hampton – view more here

Barry Clements