Broadcaster slams mistakes in Portsmouth Women loss to Charlton amid ‘devastating’ verdict
Portsmouth Women began their first-ever Championship season with a 3-0 defeat at Charlton Athletic on Sunday, with certain errors blasted by Express FM broadcaster Kirsty Roxanne.
Roxanne was at The Valley as part of the local radio commentary team at the weekend, with Jay Sadler’s side suffering a baptism of fire in the new division as they shipped three first-half goals.
Pompey kept it tighter after the break, but are left to lick their wounds and reassess ahead of their first home fixture against Durham this Saturday.
Speaking on Express’ Football Hour show [9 September], Roxanne told host Jake Smith: “It was a devastating first half, three goals in 24 minutes conceded.
“The team can’t make the same mistakes they would’ve got away with last season, like a heavy first touch or not executing a pass well enough.
“But there was at least that determination in the team as well in the second half.”
Portsmouth Women suffer opening day defeat
Portsmouth will sometimes learn the hard way this season in their first term at Championship level, and that was certainly the case on Sunday.
There was serious danger of the scoreline becoming embarrassing when the third was duly knocked in before the break in South-East London, but to their credit, Sadler’s side regrouped and stood firm to limit the damage.
Thanks to last season’s title challengers Sunderland’s 5-0 thrashing by Birmingham City, Pompey at least survive the week without reaching the foot of the table as they continue to adapt to a huge summer of change.
The Durham contest will be interesting – it is a chance to get back onto the field at Westleigh Park and attempt to play on their own terms, against an unpredictable outfit from the North East.
Durham were winners on the opening weekend, overcoming Sheffield United 2-1, and will fancy their chances of capitalising on any errors if the Blues make a repeat of Sunday.
In other Portsmouth news, David Norris says Pompey should take the “Chelsea” approach with their large squad.
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