Adrian Segecic delivered a landmark performance for Portsmouth by recording his first ever EFL hat‑trick in a 3-1 victory over Stoke City at the Bet365 Stadium, a win that also marked Pompey’s inaugural triumph at the venue. The 21‑year‑old Australian‑born Croatian opened the scoring in the 32nd minute, and after Lamine Cisse levelled for Stoke shortly after the break, Segecic struck twice more to complete his three‑goal haul, sealing the win with a composed left‑footed finish from about 20 yards out eight minutes from full‑time. The win was historic for several reasons.
It was the first time Portsmouth had ever won at Stoke’s home ground since the club moved there, and it ended a long‑standing away‑win drought that stretched back to February 1995 when Pompey last beat Stoke at the former Victoria Ground. For Stoke, the defeat was a bitter reminder of their recent struggles; the club, which had briefly occupied second place earlier in the campaign, now faces an eighth consecutive season finishing in the lower half of the table since their relegation from the Premier League in 2018. Portsmouth entered the match free from any relegation concerns, having already secured their Championship status.
The team was returning to action after a heavy 5-1 loss to Coventry City, a result that had handed the league title to Frank Lampard’s side. Manager John Mousinho made five changes to his lineup for the final away fixture of the season, including the introduction of Austrian goalkeeper Nicolas Schmid.
However, the early minutes saw a further shake‑up when understudy keeper Josef Bursik, who was making his first start since an FA Cup defeat to Arsenal in January, was forced off with an injury after just three minutes. Ben Killip came on as his replacement, marking his first appearance since he last featured against Sheffield Wednesday in September. Around 3,000 Pompey supporters were in attendance, celebrating the club’s survival in the second tier despite the relatively subdued atmosphere. The game’s opening goal came 13 minutes into the first half when Segecic received a precise through‑ball from Harvey Blair, controlled it, and unleashed a rising left‑footed strike that flew past Stoke keeper Tommy Simkin, giving the visitors a deserved lead and marking Segecic’s eighth goal of the season.
Stoke responded before the interval, with Lamine Cisse finding the back post from a cross by Sorba Thomas, only to be denied by Killip’s quick reflexes. A chaotic scramble in the six‑yard box saw both Ash Phillips, on loan from Spurs, and Cisse unable to convert the chance.
The half‑time whistle blew with Portsmouth still ahead, and the home crowd expressed their displeasure with a chorus of boos. The second half began with a swift reversal of fortunes as Cisse headed home an in‑swinging corner delivered by Thomas, restoring parity for Stoke three minutes after the restart. Segecic nearly restored Portsmouth’s lead eight minutes later, but his header struck the side netting. Four minutes after that, he finally broke the deadlock again: a cross from Josh Murphy on the right was met by Segecic, who out‑maneuvered Ben Gibson and slotted the ball home from just three yards out.
Full‑back Jordan Williams then came close to making it 3-1, but his effort drifted just wide of the right‑hand upright. Segecic’s third goal completed a memorable individual display, his fourth in just two games, and underscored his growing importance to the squad. After the match, the young striker spoke candidly about the club’s culture and the need for change.
He highlighted the poor standards that had plagued the team, describing the season as "abject" and emphasizing that merely being "okay" was insufficient. Segecic called for a ruthless approach, better recruitment, and the removal of players he considered mercenary or unwilling to work hard. His passionate remarks reflected a deep frustration and a desire to see Portsmouth transform into a side that fights for every point, regardless of weather conditions. Manager John Mousinho also addressed his own future, expressing unwavering commitment to Portsmouth and affection for the city.
He noted that he had received no overtures from other clubs and that his contract secured him for a couple more years, reinforcing his intention to stay and help the club progress. The match’s broader context included a promotional note about a £250,000 prize available through the Super 6 competition, with entries due by 3 pm on Saturday, highlighting the commercial side of modern football.
Overall, the victory was a significant morale boost for Portsmouth, ending a long‑standing away‑win drought at Stoke, showcasing Segecic’s emerging talent, and providing a platform for the club to build on as they look ahead to the next season. The win also served as a stark reminder to Stoke City that their recent decline continues, underscoring the challenges they face in climbing back up the league hierarchy.