View: Portsmouth Women primed for success after productive end to pre-season
Portsmouth Women have completed an extensive pre-season schedule with victory over Arsenal Under-21s, as they prepare for their Championship bow.
A 3-1 win over the Gunners’ youngsters at Westleigh Park, with two late goals to secure the result, completed pre-season [Portsmouth FC official website, 1 September] and puts the new-look squad in an excellent shape heading into their inaugural campaign in the second tier.
Jay Sadler takes his side to South-East London this weekend to take on Charlton Athletic at The Valley, a hotly anticipated landmark day in the club’s history.
Portsmouth ready to begin Championship chapter
Several weeks after the Portsmouth men’s team resumed their Championship challenge after a long and turbulent 12 years away, the women’s team hit their equivalent for the first time this Sunday.
Charlton will – as every side at this professional level do – provide a stern challenge, and steep learning curves will approach from time to time.
The Blues’ key aim is establishment and stability, providing that platform to build on having had the foundations set up through a significant financial investment from Pompey owners, the Tornante Company.
Only one team will suffer relegation from the division at the end of the season in April, and to finish one place above the drop would constitute a degree of success, but this is a hungry team with an efficient full-time setup now in place.
It promises to be the most exciting season in Portsmouth Women history.
In other Portsmouth news, John Mousinho explains why new signing Ibane Bowat did not come on for his debut at the weekend.
For more Portsmouth news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.