Portsmouth secured their place in the Second Round Proper of the Women’s FA Cup with a convincing 4-0 victory over Cheltenham Town at Fratton Park.
The two sides had met in the league just a week earlier, producing a thrilling 6-3 encounter. With nine goals scored in that meeting, another entertaining contest looked possible, and the opening stages did not disappoint.
Both teams created opportunities in the opening minutes, but it was Portsmouth who broke the deadlock in the eighth minute. Zoe Barratt opened the scoring with a clever lob from inside the penalty area, lifting the ball over Cheltenham goalkeeper Lily Felgate. Summer Hughes provided the assist, driving past the visitors’ defence before picking out Barratt with a precise pass into the box.
The hosts doubled their advantage just four minutes later. Kerry Beattie collected the ball 12 yards from goal before unleashing a powerful strike into the top-right corner, leaving Felgate with little chance of making a save.
Cheltenham gradually grew into the contest and began creating opportunities of their own. With both teams enjoying spells of pressure, the visitors looked to find a way back into the match, but Portsmouth maintained their two-goal advantage heading into the break.
Half-time: Portsmouth Women 2-0 Cheltenham Town Women
Portsmouth continued to threaten after the restart, applying consistent attacking pressure as they looked to put the tie beyond doubt. However, Cheltenham remained determined to fight their way back into the contest.
The Robins looked to create openings through counter-attacks and the corners that followed, but they were unable to find a breakthrough as Portsmouth’s defence held firm.
The decisive moment came in the 74th minute when Georgie Freeland added a third for the hosts. Her free-kick travelled through the penalty area without a touch from another player before finding the back of the net in front of the Milton End.
Portsmouth added further gloss to the scoreline four minutes before the end of normal time. Esta Roberts calmly converted an opportunity inside the Cheltenham penalty area in the 88th minute to complete a comprehensive victory.
Cheltenham were unable to find a consolation goal during the closing stages, as Portsmouth saw out the remaining minutes to book their place in the Second Round Proper.
Full-time: Portsmouth Women 4-0 Cheltenham Town Women
Following the draw for the Women’s FA Cup Second Round Proper, Portsmouth are set to travel to Exeter on 15 November as they look to continue their cup campaign.
Cheltenham, meanwhile, exit the competition and will turn their attention back to league action, with a midweek home fixture against Swindon Town next on the agenda.
