Ell of a display as Humphrey’s treble gives champions another win

Ella Humphrey hit a hat-trick as Pompey Women twice fought from behind to win

3-2 at Cheltenham.

It was the first time the Blues had been in action since being crowned National League Southern

Premier Division champions - and they had to work hard to claim all three points against the Robins.

Boss Jay Sadler made a trio of changes from the side that saw off Plymouth on home soil a fortnight earlier.

Ava Rowbotham, Emily Pitman and Humphrey all came in, with Ali Hall, Emma Jones and Daisy Mclachlan dropping to the bench.

The visitors were afforded a guard of honour as they made their way onto the pitch, but were equally generous early in the contest, as a loose ball was pounced upon by Henna Butcher.

Humphrey equalised on 22 minutes, slotting into an empty net after Pitman had surged forward, rounded the keeper and squared for her.

Cheltenham retook the lead again before the break, albeit in slightly fortuitous fashion - Butcher’s effort striking the bar and ricocheting into the net off the unfortunate Dani Lane.

Humphrey levelled again on 57 minutes, Sophie Quirk – who had scored a hat-trick in an opening day 5-0 home win over Cheltenham surged down the left before cutting the ball back for Humphrey to finish at the near post.

Pompey claimed their 19th win in 21 third tier games when Humphrey ran half the length of the pitch and coolly slotted past the keeper to complete her treble.

It was only her fourth start of the season, having also made 16 sub appearances, and she now has seven goals.

The Blues will receive their trophy after the final game of the season against rock bottom London Bees at Westleigh Park on May 5.

While Pompey’s goal difference is now a huge plus 67, the Bees’ is minus 58 after managing only three draws and 18 losses in their 21 fixtures.