REBECCA Smith admits she was over the moon to grab a last-gasp equaliser and help C&K Basildon Ladies secure a fine draw at Portsmouth in the Women’s Premier League Cup.

Smith, 20, prodded home from close-range in the dying moments after Portsmouth had led 2-0 with just 13 minutes to play, with fellow substitute Maegen Doyle getting the first goal.

The young defender, who has been moved into midfield by manager Steve Tilson in recent weeks, spent time at Valdosta State University, in Georgia, USA, last year where she developed her game.

“It was chaotic at the end of the game but it was great to get that goal and ensure we brought a point home,” said Smith. “Maegen came on at the same time as me and we were both able to make an impact. I was just pleased the ball dropped to me and I was able to finish it.

“I have been at the club on and off for about three years but I started this season fresh after a break during the first part of the year. I was out in America and I learned a lot which helped my game, playing in places like Tennessee and Mississippi.”

“Now I am back I just want to help the team in every way I can and I am excited at what the girls can achieve this season. It is a tight-knit group and we believe we can achieve more this year.”

Portsmouth started well and had a good opportunity to take the lead on the half hour mark, but the shot went wide only for the hosts to take the lead soon after. Molly Clark's inswinging corner went straight into the net, despite Cherie Rowlands managing to get a hand on the ball.

The second-half opened with Portsmouth sending in a few dangerous crosses from wide positions that Basildon did well to clear. But it was from one of these crosses that Portsmouth doubled their lead on 56 minutes when another cross was headed in at the near post by Sarah Kempson.

But C&K did get a goal back when Stacey Little put the ball over the Portsmouth defence, and Doyle ran onto the through ball before lifting it over the advancing goalkeeper.

Lifted by the goal, Basildon went in search of the equaliser, and it came late on.

In the 91st minute, another Amy Nash corner caused confusion in the Portsmouth six-yard box, and Basildon saw a couple of shots blocked before Smith fired the ball into the net from close range.

There was still time for Cherie Rowlands to make another low save following a Portsmouth free kick, but Basildon held on to earn a valuable away point.

C&K Basildon: Rowlands, Stimson, Xidhas (Smith), Porter, Duchar-Clark, Stephanou, Mellors (Doyle), Little, Rodney, Nash, Rushen.