Pompey Women Visit The Chigwell Construction Stadium (Opening League Cup Group Match) - West Ham (A)

Pompey Women suffered a 6-1 Defeat to Super League side West Ham in their opening League Cup Group Match.

A handful of Pompey fans opted to head up to the capital on Wednesday evening despite the Men's team being in action playing away in Stoke.

The Stadium was easy enough to find despite being hidden at the end of a side road. The Chigwell Construction Stadium had no onsite parking and limited street parking for fans in the surrounding residential areas with a few people opting to utilise the good local train links to get to the stadium.

After making the 100yd walk down Victoria Road you arrive at the stadium where upon entering the grounds you were greeted by the West Ham Mascot 'Bubbles'. Fans had the ability to have a pre match pictures taken with the mascot and there was also a West Ham branded 'cut out frame' which you could also stand in for snaps.

Next to the turnstile was a Fans gazebo where you could pick up a matchday program for £2 and across the car park was the Club shop which was open to purchase match tickets and/or West ham merch which included Shirts, Scarfs, Mugs and more..

The few Staff and Stewards we spoke to were all helpful when asked questions and the staff worked well with us to help get the Portsmouth fans fairly grouped together in the same area. Although we can't have been too hard to miss with our Big Supporters Club Flag Hung on show Infront of you as you walk around the corner into the stand!

We would advise giving yourself plenty of time when arriving at the stadium on a matchday as there was only one turnstile open on the day which left a large queue of people waiting outside to get in.

The Chigwell Construction Stadium had a good clear view over the pitch from where we were sat and despite only one stand being open. The fans generated a good atmosphere as fans were packed in and so close to the edge of the action!

We were amused by the resident Pigeons watching the game from upon the roof beams of the stand above where we were seated.

The Stadium's tannoy was a bit of a talking point after what sounded from our seats like a remix of the 'I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles' song played out as the players walked onto the pitch. The Stadium Announcer also gave Pompey fans a chuckle after the repeated mispronunciation of the famous Sophie 'Quick' in the line up!

It was a good touch by Goal scorer Megan Hornby who called the players over at full time to acknowledge the few travelling supporters which we know a few people appreciated.