Adrian Segecic, the 21‑year‑old Australian‑born Croatian forward, celebrated a personal milestone on a crisp evening at the bet365 Stadium when he recorded his first ever EFL hat‑trick, guiding Portsmouth to a 3‑1 victory over Stoke City in the SkyBet Championship. The win was historic for the south coast club, marking their inaugural triumph at Stoke’s home ground since the days when the venue was known as the Victoria Ground, a feat not achieved since February 1995. The match opened with Portsmouth asserting early pressure, and Segecic made the difference in the 32nd minute. After receiving a perfectly timed through ball from winger Harvey Blair, the former Sydney FC star took a touch to settle the ball before unleashing a rising left‑footed strike that swerved past goalkeeper Tommy Simkin and nestled in the top corner.
That goal gave the Pompey supporters, who had travelled in numbers of around three thousand, an immediate lift and set the tone for what would become an unforgettable evening. Stoke City, who had briefly occupied second place in the league earlier in the campaign, responded with determination. Just before the half‑hour mark, they earned a corner that was met by the head of Lamine Cisse, who equalised in the 34th minute, sending a wave of optimism through the home crowd.
The goal came from a well‑delivered cross by Sorba Thomas, whose pinpoint delivery forced Portsmouth goalkeeper Ben Killip into a desperate save, but Cisse managed to nudge the ball past the line. The equaliser restored parity and hinted that the match could swing either way. The second half began with a further twist in the goalkeeper department.
Josef Bursik, who had been given a chance to start after a long spell on the bench, was forced off after only three minutes due to an injury. His replacement, Ben Killip, who had not featured since a September encounter with Sheffield Wednesday, was thrust back into action and quickly demonstrated his composure under pressure. Stoke, buoyed by their equaliser, took the lead shortly after the restart. Cisse headed in an in‑swinging corner from Thomas in the 48th minute, silencing the Pompey fans for a brief spell and putting the visitors ahead 2‑1.
The goal was a classic set‑piece finish, with Cisse timing his run to meet the ball at the far post and directing it low into the net. Portsmouth, however, were not to be denied.
Segecic, who had already found the net once, continued to menace the Stoke defence. In the 62nd minute he rose high to meet a cross but his header struck the side netting, a near‑miss that underscored his determination. Four minutes later, his persistence paid off.
A precise cross from Josh Murphy on the right was met by Segecic, who out‑muscled defender Ben Gibson in the box and slotted the ball home from just three yards out. The strike restored Portsmouth’s lead at 2‑2 and set the stage for the final act of Segecic’s night. The decisive moment arrived in the 71st minute.
After a sustained period of pressure, Segecic received the ball on the left side of the penalty area, turned sharply, and unleashed a powerful 20‑yard left‑footed shot that beat Simkin at his near post. The goal completed his hat‑trick, sending the Pompey supporters into rapturous celebration and sealing a 3‑1 win. Full‑back Jordan Williams almost added a fourth for Portsmouth, but his effort drifted just wide of the right‑hand side of the goal.
Beyond the on‑field drama, the match carried broader significance for both clubs. For Portsmouth, the win was a morale‑boosting affirmation after a season that had been dominated by a battle for survival. Their recent 5‑1 defeat at Coventry had confirmed that they had secured their place in the Championship, but the victory at Stoke provided a symbolic closure to a campaign that saw them avoid relegation and finish comfortably above the drop zone.
Manager John Mousinho, who also serves as a player‑coach, made five changes to his starting XI, including the introduction of Austrian goalkeeper Nicolas Schmid, reflecting his willingness to experiment in the final game of the season. Stoke City, on the other hand, endured a disappointing result that cemented their position in the lower half of the table for the eighth consecutive season since their relegation from the Premier League in 2018.
Their early‑season promise had faded, and the loss highlighted the challenges they face in rebuilding a squad capable of challenging for promotion. In the post‑match interview, Segecic reflected on his performance and the broader state of the club.
He spoke passionately about the need for cultural change within Portsmouth, emphasising that complacency and a lack of hard work had plagued the team. "We have not been good enough to win enough games this season.
This one was abject," he said, underscoring the frustration felt by players and supporters alike. He called for a ruthless approach to recruitment, insisting that only players with a genuine desire to fight and train hard should wear the Portsmouth shirt.
"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," he warned. His remarks highlighted a determination to overhaul the squad mentality and strive for higher standards in the coming seasons. Mousinho, when asked about his own future, reaffirmed his commitment to the club.
"My full focus is on Portsmouth. I love being here and love the city," he declared, adding that he had received no overtures from other clubs and that his contract would keep him at the club for at least another two years. His loyalty and enthusiasm were evident, and he expressed optimism that, with the right changes, Portsmouth could build on the momentum generated by the hat‑trick heroics and aim for a stronger finish in the next campaign.
The match also featured a brief promotional segment, reminding fans of the Sky Sports app and the ability to watch EFL action via NOW, as well as a mention of a £250,000 Super 6 prize that is free to enter, with entries closing at 3 pm on Saturday. While these details were peripheral to the on‑field events, they illustrate the commercial and entertainment aspects that accompany modern football broadcasts.
In summary, Adrian Segecic’s hat‑trick not only secured a memorable win for Portsmouth but also served as a catalyst for broader discussions about club culture, recruitment strategy, and future ambitions. The 3‑1 victory at the bet365 Stadium will be remembered by Pompey fans as a night when a young forward stepped into the spotlight, delivered a personal milestone, and helped his team close the season on a high note, while also prompting introspection and a call to action for the club’s leadership and supporters alike.