C&K Basildon Ladies striker Karissa Rodney says Sunday’s victory over Portsmouth has given everyone the belief that they are good enough to compete with the best in the league.

Rodney hit two goals in the exciting 4-3 victory, with further goals from Amy Nash and Zoe Rushen to establish Steve Tilson’s side’s seventh position in the table and close the gap to sixth-placed Tottenham Hotspur.

And PE teacher Rodney, 25, says the result is down to the team’s hard work and confidence in their own ability.

“It was an important result for us as we weren't expected to take points off Portsmouth but everyone dug deep and we came out of the game with the win,” she said. “It has boosted our confidence as a team and as a club and have shown we can compete against the top half of the table.

“We have lost just once in the last seven league games and now we look ahead to the New Year with the same hunger and desire we have shown coming in to this league.

“To be sitting mid table three points behind Spurs at this point is more than we expected but have worked hard to achieve it.”

Basildon made one change to the side that started the match against Forest Green Rovers last week with goalkeeper Molly Povey, recently signed from Crystal Palace, replacing injured Cherie Rowlands.

And Povey was called into action in the early exchanges as she rushed off of her line to deny Ini Umotong in the first minute.

And, after Portsmouth missed a great chance, Basildon took the lead when Kerry Stimson’s run down the right wing saw her cross for Nash to finish at the post.

Portsmouth looked for a quick response but some inspired defending and wayward finishing, plus more good work from Povey kept Portsmouth at bay until a frantic five minutes before the break.

Umotong lifted the ball over the advancing Povey to score only for Basildon to streak up the other end and come within inches of going in front.

And they were made to pay when Umotong headed in her second of the match.

But Basildon were not to be denied, as they levelled the match before the break, with Rushen freeing Rodney and her chip made it three goals in four minutes.

Both sides exchanged good opportunities as the match wore on, with Basildon taking the lead again just after the hour mark.

Nash was brought down for a penalty, and Rushen calmly dispatched the spot-kick.

But 10 minutes later both sides were level pegging once again, as Lucy Quinn won the ball 30 yards from goal before sending a terrific shot over Povey.

Povey pulled off an outstanding save as Portsmouth cranked up the heat and it was Basildon who scored what proved to be the decisive goal when Maegan Doyle’s through ball released Rodney, who outpaced the defender before sending a left footed shot past the advancing goalkeeper.

C&K Basildon: Povey, Stimson, Stephanou, Lacey, Porter, Little, Huggins (Doyle), Rodney, Rushen, Mellors (Smith), Nash.

Unused subs: Blowers, Carty