Semi Finals Were as Far as the Womens 2s Could Go

Portsmouth 3s travelled to Alton to take on the top of the league in the semi final of the vase competition and faced league winners in what promised to be a tough game.

A combo of ladies 3s and 4s players started out strong and appeared to be holding their own for the first 10 minutes where the game went from end to end and shots were made to test both keepers. Unfortunately, the opposition strength started to show and a loose ball in front of our goal was easily snaffled by the Alton attack.

Another whoops moment happened minutes later when Kate Mason turned the ball past Helen Perriam to increase their score further. Portsmouth were keen to fight back and an individual effort from Nicky Puckett saw the ball sail past the Alton keeper into the top right hand corner of the goal to bring the scoreline to 2-1 at half time.

Going into the second half, the team managed to find some inspiration through Steph Lowry, newly recovered from covid, who managed to maintain a magnificent work rate to keep the game flowing. Some great runs up the left wing from Andrea Barnes with passes to Hayley Saunders also saw renewed attempts to continue the attacks.

Tiredness, alas, was the downfall and this resulted in more amusement. Despite the defensive line dispelling around 25 short corners, Alton hit with 2 goals in quick succession. A further 2 goals were given from Leah Riddy and off the foot of keeper Perriam. By this time, bets were being taken as to who was the next to score in Portsmouth’s own goal and low and behold, those who guessed Emma Japes were correct!

The scoreline doesn't seem fair when considering the effort being made as all four defenders were putting in overtime and Miranda Cooper was doing her utmost to make sure Kate Kissling-Jones was being fed balls up the wings to attempt further assaults. A further goal from a hard struck ball from Puckett to Michelle Hughes waiting on the post was some consolidation, but Alton hit back with a further 2 goals to end the game at 9-2.

Whilst some would feel dispirited by this result, the Portsmouth women left the field recognising a good opposition but also realising that in defeat comes great amusement on occasion and despite the result, there were smiles all round as everyone realises how much they all love this team and how everyone will miss each other over the summer.