Adrian Segecic delivered a memorable performance for Portsmouth, securing his first ever EFL hat‑trick as the south coast side overcame Stoke City 3‑1 at the Bet365 Stadium. The 21‑year‑old Australian‑born Croatian opened the scoring in the 32nd minute, and after Lamine Cisse’s equaliser early in the second half, Segecic struck twice more to complete a personal treble and seal all three points for the visitors. The opening goal came when Segecic latched onto a precise through‑ball from Harvey Blair, took a touch to settle the ball and unleashed a rising left‑footed shot that sailed past Stoke keeper Tommy Simkin.
It was his eighth league goal of the campaign and gave Portsmouth a much‑needed lead in a match that had already been marked by a series of lineup changes and injuries. Stoke responded before the interval, with Lamine Cisse finding the net from a Sorba Thomas cross that was initially blocked by Portsmouth’s new signing Ben Killip. The ball ricocheted in the six‑yard box, and despite the presence of Spurs loanee Ash Phillips, Cisse could not convert, leaving the score at 1‑0 at the break.
The second half began with a dramatic incident: understudy goalkeeper Josef Bursik, who had been handed a start after a long spell on the bench, was forced off after just three minutes due to injury. He was replaced by Ben Killip, making his first appearance since a September match against Sheffield Wednesday.
The early disruption did not deter Portsmouth, and within three minutes of the restart Cisse levelled the game, heading home a corner delivered by Thomas. Segecic was quick to restore Portsmouth’s advantage. After a near‑miss in the 62nd minute, he found the back of the net four minutes later, out‑muscling defender Ben Gibson and slotting the ball home from three yards out following a cross from Josh Murphy. A subsequent effort from full‑back Jordan Williams threatened to make it 3‑1, but his shot drifted just wide of the right‑hand post.
The final goal, Segecic’s third of the evening, came from close range after he out‑paced the defence and finished with a composed finish. The hat‑trick marked his fourth goal in two games and underscored his growing importance to the Pompey attack.
Beyond the on‑field drama, the result carried historical significance. It was Portsmouth’s first victory at Stoke’s home ground since February 1995, when the club still played at the Victoria Ground.
The win also contributed to Stoke’s ongoing struggles; the team, which had briefly occupied second place earlier in the season, now faces an eighth consecutive finish in the lower half of the table since their relegation from the Premier League in 2018. Portsmouth entered the match free from relegation worries, having already secured their Championship status after a 5‑1 loss to Coventry that handed the league title to Frank Lampard’s side. Manager John Mousinho made five changes to his starting XI, including the introduction of Austrian goalkeeper Nicolas Schmid, reflecting a desire to rotate the squad for the final away fixture of the season. The atmosphere at the Bet365 Stadium was lively, with roughly 3,000 Pompey supporters celebrating their club’s survival despite the relatively subdued spectacle.
The fans’ chants shifted from boos at halftime to cheers after the second‑half goals, illustrating the emotional roller‑coaster of the encounter. In the post‑match press conference, Segecic expressed frustration with the club’s recent performances, urging a cultural shift and greater commitment from the squad. He highlighted the need for hard work, ruthless ambition, and the recruitment of players willing to fight for the team, warning that complacency would not be tolerated. John Mousinho, speaking about his own future, reaffirmed his dedication to Portsmouth, praising the city and the club’s potential.
He noted that he had received no offers from other clubs and intends to honour the remaining years of his contract, aiming to help the team build on this positive result. Overall, Segecic’s hat‑trick not only secured a vital three points but also provided a morale boost for a Portsmouth side looking to consolidate its place in the Championship and lay the foundations for a more competitive campaign next season. The match will be remembered for its historic away win, the individual brilliance of Segecic, and the clear message from both players and management that change and determination are essential for future success.