Erin McLaughlin shines as Portsmouth defeat Arsenal U-21s in final pre-season test

Portsmouth completed their preparations for the upcoming Championship campaign with a 3-1 victory over Arsenal U-21s with Erin McLaughlin nailing the opening goal for Pompey at the weekend. 

The Culdaff native penned a one-year contract at Pompey back in July with an option of an additional 12 months. 

In 63 games at Peamount, McLaughlin scored 21 goals after spending the last three seasons in the Women's Premier Division in Ireland. 

Last weekend, McLaughlin’s opener was cancelled out by Maddy Earl at Westleigh Park, but Ava Rowbotham and Nicole Barrett netted late on for the hosts to secure a 3-1 win. 

Things calmed down slightly after a chance-filled opening 10 minutes, although it was still Pompey looking more likely to break the deadlock. 

Efforts from Emma Jones and McLaughlin were saved as they kept searching for a breakthrough, while Hornby cut in from the right and flashed a shot narrowly wide. 

And the pressure finally counted on 40 minutes, when McLaughlin ran onto a lay-off pass and drove the ball into the net to make it 1-0 before the break to set Portsmouth on their way to victory. 

Portsmouth Women currently play in the Championship, the second tier of professional football in England, and open their competitive season at Charlton Athletic on Sunday, September 8.