Fifth Round Proper

Westleigh Park, Havant 

Sunday 9th February 2025

Unexpected return to Hampshire for Round Five. The hosts having zero victories in the Barclays Women's Championship, perhaps surprisingly, managed to win away at fellow BWC side Blackburn in R4 to set up today's clash.

As we approach the latter rounds of the competition, todays victors will be the lowest ranked side in the QF.

Standard practice for this blog, another weekend where football has been effected by the weather, so I am grateful for the artificial surface at Westleigh Park.

My standard walk from Havant station; traversing the rocky roads of Hipley/ Swarraton / Adhurst / Braishfield & St. Albans to arrive at WLP to the usual warm welcome.

Pompey won the toss and had an excellent early chance following a spot of pinball in the visitors 6-yard box but the Sunderland defence blocked a succession of goal bound efforts.

The Mackems grew into the game edging the percentage of possession in the opening quarter without having a clear cut opportunity. 

Pompey defender Izzy Collins left off the field with a dislocated shoulder on 30 minutes replaced by debutant loanee Olivia Bramley.

After an excellent save by Pompey keeper Hannah Poulter from a shot by Katie Kitching , the defence failed to clear, the ball falling to Jenna Dear who found the top corner despite an valiant effort from Poulter. 0-1 Sunderland 34 minutes.

Following a heavy challenge on 44 minutes Pompey midfielder Georgie Freeland was forced off the pitch. Whilst the home side were down to 10, Emily Scarr took advantage of hesitation in the centre of the home defence, nipping through to tuck a second for the visitors.

With Freeland unable to continue, Scarlett Williams joined the fray just before half time and her first involvement was to get a yellow card for a strong challenge.

After 10 added minutes half-time arrived at 0-2.

Pompey needed an early goal second half to stay in the contest, but it was Sunderland who had the better of the early exchanges and struck the bar direct from a corner on the 55 minutes.

The tie was beginning to hot up with a number of competitive challenges from both sides keeping the referee busy.

Pompey registered a shot on target through Sophie Quirk on 64 minutes but the Wearsiders continued to control the midfield.

Brianna Westrup almost hit a third, latching onto the ball at the back post, but Poulter made a strong save.

Lovely free kick delivery from Quirk on 75 mins gave Olivia Bramley a headed opportunity that flew over.

Pompey were pressing now with Quirk coming into the game evermore. She had a good left foot shot, well saved by keeper Demi Lambourne on 80 minutes.

A second yellow card for Scarlett Williams on 89 mins effectively ended the match as a contest.

Full credit to Sunderland who deserved the victory and become the only non-WSL side left in the competition.

FT: Portsmouth 0 Sunderland 2

Attendance 424

Full match available on You Tube 🔗 below 

https://www.youtube.com/live/M1Zj21gB51I?si=j5B3r1CBrqW34HMy