Adrian Segecic etched his name into Portsmouth folklore on a crisp evening at the Bet365 Stadium, delivering a first‑ever victory for the south coast side at their rivals' ground. The Australian‑born Croatian striker, who has quickly become a fan favourite, recorded his maiden EFL hat‑trick as the Saints edged Stoke City 3‑1 in the SkyBet Championship, a result that will be remembered for both its historic significance and the individual brilliance on display. The opening goal arrived in the 32nd minute, when Segecic capitalised on a perfectly timed through ball from Harvey Blair.
The ex‑Sydney FC attacker took a touch to settle the ball before unleashing a rising left‑footed strike that sailed over the outstretched arms of Stoke goalkeeper Tommy Simkin, giving Portsmouth a deserved lead and igniting the travelling Pompey supporters. Stoke, who had been leading the league earlier in the season, responded quickly after the interval. Just two minutes after the restart, Lamine Cisse rose to meet a corner from player‑of‑the‑season Sorba Thomas and headed home, restoring parity and prompting a chorus of boos from the home crowd as the half‑time whistle blew.
The deadlock did not last long. In the 66th minute, Segecic, still hungry for more, found himself in the box after a clever pass from Josh Murphy. Although Colby Bishop failed to connect, Segecic out‑muscled defender Ben Gibson and slotted a low, precise finish from three yards out, putting Portsmouth back in front and sending the visiting fans into rapturous celebration. The final act of Segecic's performance came eight minutes from the end.
After a sustained period of pressure, the 21‑year‑old Croatian received a cross and, with a swift turn, fired a powerful left‑footed shot from around 20 yards. The ball curled past Simkin and into the net, sealing a memorable 3‑1 win and completing his personal hat‑trick.
This third strike marked his fourth goal in just two games, underlining a purple patch that could prove vital for Portsmouth's aspirations in the league. Beyond the goals, the match was notable for several squad rotations and injury setbacks. Manager John Mousinho made five changes to his starting XI, including the introduction of Austrian goalkeeper Nicolas Schmid.
However, early in the game, understudy Josef Bursik, who had not started since an FA Cup defeat to Arsenal in January, was forced off with an injury after just three minutes. Ben Killip stepped in, making his first appearance since a September outing against Sheffield Wednesday, and performed admirably despite the high‑pressure environment. The atmosphere at the stadium reflected a mixture of relief and celebration.
Around 3,000 Pompey fans, buoyed by the recent confirmation that the club had secured its place in the Championship for another season, enjoyed the occasion even though the overall flow of the match was occasionally uneven. The victory also broke a long‑standing away‑win drought for Portsmouth at Stoke; the last time the two clubs met at the Victoria Ground in February 1995, Portsmouth emerged victorious, making this win a nostalgic echo of that historic triumph. Stoke City, meanwhile, face the reality of an eighth consecutive season finishing in the lower half of the table since their relegation from the Premier League in 2018.
Their early-season promise has faded, and the defeat underscores the need for a strategic overhaul if they hope to climb the standings. In the post‑match press conference, Segecic spoke candidly about the club's culture and the changes required to compete at a higher level. He highlighted the importance of work ethic, recruitment of committed players, and the elimination of complacency, stating, "We have to recruit the right players and move people on who are mercenary, don't want to work, don't want to train hard and then put a team on the pitch everyone can be proud of." His passionate remarks resonated with supporters eager for a renewed sense of purpose. John Mousinho, reflecting on his own future, expressed unwavering loyalty to Portsmouth.
"My full focus is on Portsmouth. I love being here and love the city," he said, adding that he has no offers from other clubs and intends to see his contract through the coming years. His commitment mirrors the club's broader aim to build stability and progress in the Championship. The match also featured a few near‑misses that could have altered the scoreline.
Jordan Williams, the Portsmouth full‑back, struck a powerful effort that narrowly missed the right‑hand post, while Stoke's Ash Phillips and Lamine Cisse both failed to convert chances inside the six‑yard box after a series of scrappy exchanges. Beyond the on‑field action, the game served as a reminder of the broader narrative surrounding both clubs. Portsmouth, having recently secured their Championship status after a 5‑1 loss to Coventry that handed the title to Frank Lampard's side, are now looking to consolidate and push for a higher finish. Their recent form suggests a team shedding the fear of relegation and beginning to play with more confidence and ambition.
Stoke City, on the other hand, must confront a period of introspection. Their early‑season positioning near the top of the table has given way to a string of inconsistent performances, and the defeat at home to a team fighting for survival highlights the urgency of a strategic review.
Overall, Adrian Segecic's hat‑trick will be remembered as a milestone for both player and club. It not only secured three points but also symbolised a turning point in Portsmouth's season, offering a glimpse of what could be achieved when talent, determination, and tactical acumen align.
As the campaign moves into its final stages, the Saints will hope to build on this momentum, while Stoke City will need to regroup and address the shortcomings that have seen them slip from early‑season optimism to a disappointing lower‑half finish.