A preview of the Blues' next fixture in the WSL 2 at the City Ground.
Following a 3-2 defeat to Ipswich Town at the Colchester Community Stadium last time out, Jay Sadler takes his side back on the road for matchday 5 of the 2025/26 WSL 2 season.
Goals last Sunday from Angelina Nixon and Ava Rowbotham had given Portsmouth a 2-1 lead over The Tractor Girls, cancelling out a Rhianna Dean opener.
However it was the hosts who came back to claim victory and in controversial fashion too - Sophie Peskett was fouled outside of the Pompey penalty area and referee Fabio Roque had blown for a free kick, before then proceeding to allow Natasha Thomas' headed goal to stand, appearing to give the advantage despite blowing his whistle.
Later in the game, an Izzy Collins foul on Sophie Peskett inside the penalty area gave away a penalty, which was converted by Paige Peake from 12 yards.
Summer signing Ella Rutherford came on to make her debut late on with partner GK Barry watching on from the stands but the game ended as it was when she came on - 3-2 to Ipswich.
That result saw Portsmouth leapfrogged by Ipswich in the WSL 2 standings - Jay Sadler's side now occupy 11th position heading into this weekend's bout with Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.
THIS WEEK'S OPPOSITION:
MANAGER
In the dugout for The Reds is Carly Davis.
Davis is a former Aston Villa player, who spent a 15 year professional career she was also part of the squad that guided Forest to the FA WNL Cup.
Prior to arriving in the East Midlands in summer 2023 she was a coach for Aston Villa and the England Under-19s team, as well as a stint at West Bromwich Albion as Assistant Manager.
Davis second season in charge was a momentous one as she led the side to the FA Women’s National League Northern Premier Division title, beating Wolves to the top spot by three points.
ONE TO WATCH
Rachel Rowe is one to keep tabs on this Sunday.
She began her senior career with Cardiff City before joining Welsh rivals Swansea in 2013. After two seasons, Rowe made a move across the border to join then Championship outfit Reading, initially combining her playing career with her job in the prison service.
In December 2015, she signed her first professional contract with Reading following the club’s promotion to the FA WSL. Rowe featured for Reading over 100 times in her 9 year stint with The Royals.
Following relegation to the Women’s Championship Row signed for Scottish Women’s Premier League club Rangers. She also played for Southampton before becoming one of the window’s standout signings for the Reds signing a 2-year-deal.
The Welsh international who has made 76 senior appearances and scored 8 goals wears the number 13 shirt.
TOP SCORER
Defender Kirsty Smith is the current leading goalscorer.
Smith started her career at Musselburgh Windsor before joining Hibernian in 2007. She went on to be part of the Manchester United squad in their inaugural season in the then Women’s Championship, securing the league title and promotion.
In July 2022, Smith signed a two-year deal with West Ham United, in her time with the Hammers she made 55 appearances scoring once.
Smith made her international debut in 2014 and has since represented Scotland more than 60 times, including appearances in the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France.
The number 23 joined Nottingham on a 2-year deal in July this year she has netted 2 goals so far this campaign.
CURRENT FORM
Forest returned to the second tier of women’s football for the third time in their history, however this time as a full-time professional outfit.
So far this campaign they sit 4th, accumulating 6 points from 2 wins and 2 defeats. In their most recent fixture against Bristol City, Forest Women secured a second comeback win in four days as goals from Freya Thomas and a Robins own goal guided the Reds to a 2-1 victory at Aston Gate.
With the second away fixture on the bounce, can the Blues get back on track to bring 3 points home to the South Coast?
Kick-off: 2pm!
Join Jake Smith on Monday (October 6th) evening from 6pm to hear full reaction to this match with the help of Kirsty Roxanne and her match report from the City Ground.
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