Barnet Ladies’ FA Women’s Premier League season ended in controversial fashion as they lost 2-1 to Portsmouth.

The match, held at Havant & Waterlooville FC, looked to be heading for a 1-1 draw but despite Leeta Rutherford’s effort seemingly being cleared off the line in time the referee signalled for a Pompey goal.

The Bees had goalkeeper Megan Wordingham to thank in the first-half as her fine double save from Gemma Hiller’s dual effort saw the score remain level at the break.

It was not one-way traffic however, with the Bees going close through Gemma Rudman who headed over an Andrea Georgiou corner.

Following the break Aoife Hurley went close for Barnet before Holly Sandow was denied by the Pompey keeper with Jess Trimnell hitting the post from the resulting corner.

Rutherford also saw her effort strike the woodwork before Charlie Wilson gave the home side the lead with 15 minutes left on the clock.

However, their lead didn’t last for long as Lois Colley superb 25-yard strike drew the Bees level, it was also her first goal for the club.

Then, controversy came as Rutherford saw her goalbound effort cleared off the line but the referee’s whistle blew to signal a late Portsmouth winner.

Further bad news has also come for the Ladies who will be without the talented defender Alex Keown for up to a year as she is set to undergo knee surgery this week.

It is however hoped that she will be back in action in time for the start of the first FA Women’s Super League campaign.