After a delayed start the game kicked off at 2:10 due to one of the match day officials arriving late.

Portsmouth started the game the better side which paid off on nine minutes when Jemma Tewkesbury opened the scoring for our opponents.

The Bees responded well to the goal and attacked with more purpose which was highlighted with a great shot on goal from Barnet’s Gemma Rudman. This passage of play continued for a good few minutes with a Holly Sandow’s shot being tipped over the bar by Portsmouth’s goalkeeper Sadie Blakely.

Just past the half hour mark the attacking momentum switched in Portsmouth’s favour including an exceptional shot from Jemma Tewkesbury forcing an equally good stop from the Bee’s keeper Cherie Rowland

The attacking then switched back to Barnet’s favour for the remainder of the second half with shots from Danielle Murphy and Vicky Boardman (below), however they were unable to make the pressure pay off and the Bees went in at half time one nil down.

Both teams emerged for the second half unchanged with Barnet starting the brightest of the two teams. An early shot which was rebounded led to a Barnet corner and this was competently cleared by the Portsmouth defence. This lead to a counter attack and yet another Jemma Tewkesbury effort hitting the woodwork on fifty one minutes. Shortly after this the Bees counter attacked from a soft Portsmouth free kick which led to a goal by Holly Sandow from twenty yards.

Barnet controlled the game for the next ten minutes. Frustratingly none of their many chances in this period amounted to anything.

Twenty one minutes into the half saw Barnet’s Zoe Lance clash with Portsmouth’s goalkeeper Sadie Blakely leaving them both injured with Blakely coming of the worse, however both were able to play on. The break in play caused a change in momentum in Portsmouth’s favour which paid off on seventy four minutes when Kristy McGee netted once again putting Portsmouth ladies two one up.

Unfortunately due to her earlier clash with Zoe Lance, Portsmouth’s Sadie Blakely was unable to carry on and was consequently substituted by Sarah Kempson on eighty three minutes who played outfield whilst Fiona McMillan took Blakely’s place in goal.   

Soon after this the Bees were able to retake the attacking momentum which led to a Vicky Boardman left footer into the bottom corner of the net levelling the scores with six minutes of the game remaining. Barnet continued their search for goals which almost backfired when Leeta Rutherford came close for Portsmouth.

This was not to put the bees off their search for a winner and on eighty nine minutes Danielle Murphy forced Portsmouth makeshift goalkeeper Fiona McMillan into a great save which was tipped over the bar leading to a Barnet corner. Unfortunately Vicky Boardman headed over to conclude the days proceedings at Underhill. Final score 2-2.

From all of us at Barnetfc.com we would like to thank Ben Whelan for his comprehensive first match report.

For up to date news and fixtures Twitter users can follow the team @barnetfcladies and also under the heading of ‘Teams’ on club web site.

And finally…

Underhill Stadium will be hosting The FA WSL Continental Cup final this Wednesday which will see Arsenal Ladies taking on Birmingham City Ladies. The fun starts with a free girls football festival from 3.30pm to 6.30pm with kick off for the final at 7.00pm.  Family tickets are just £15. Single adult tickets £10 and £5 concessions. Save time by booking on line at barnetfc.com or call the ticket hotline 020 8449 6325.