Adrian Segecic delivered a sensational performance for Portsmouth, recording his first ever EFL hat‑trick as the south coast side secured a 3-1 victory over Stoke City at the Bet365 Stadium. The Australian‑born Croatian opened the scoring in the 32nd minute, giving Pompey an early advantage that would prove decisive. After a brief equaliser from Lamine Cisse early in the second half, Segecic struck again in the 66th minute and then completed his personal treble with a clinical 20‑yard left‑footed finish eight minutes from the final whistle. The win was historic for several reasons.
It marked Portsmouth's inaugural triumph at Stoke's home ground since the club's days at the Victoria Ground, a feat not achieved since February 1995. Moreover, the result contributed to Stoke's ongoing struggles; the club, which had briefly hovered near the top of the table earlier in the campaign, now faces an eighth consecutive season finishing in the lower half of the Championship following their relegation from the Premier League in 2018.
Portsmouth entered the match with their relegation worries already behind them. The team had recently bounced back from a 5-1 defeat at Coventry, a result that had handed the league title to Frank Lampard's side. Manager John Mousinho made five changes to his lineup, including the introduction of Austrian goalkeeper Nicolas Schmid.
However, the early part of the game saw understudy keeper Josef Bursik, who was starting for the first time since an FA Cup loss to Arsenal in January, forced off with an injury after just three minutes. Ben Killip was summoned to replace him, marking his first appearance since he last guarded the net against Sheffield Wednesday in September. Around 3,000 Pompey supporters, still reveling in the relief of securing Championship survival, filled the stands.
The atmosphere was lively, even if the on‑field action was initially subdued. Thirteen minutes into the first half, Segecic seized the moment.
After receiving a perfectly timed through‑ball from Harvey Blair, the former Sydney FC star took a breath and unleashed a rising left‑footed shot that sailed past Stoke goalkeeper Tommy Simkin, giving him his eighth goal of the season. Stoke responded before the break, with Lamine Cisse finding the back post from a Sorba Thomas cross, only to be denied by Killip.
A chaotic scramble in the six‑yard box saw Spurs loanee Ash Phillips and Cisse unable to convert, and the home side went into the dressing rooms trailing. The boos that greeted the Portsmouth players at halftime quickly turned to cheers after the restart when Cisse headed an in‑swinging corner from Thomas into the net, restoring parity for Stoke. Segecic continued to menace the opposition defence.
He missed a chance at the 62‑minute mark, heading the ball wide of the side netting, but four minutes later he made no mistake. A cross from Josh Murphy on the right found Segecic ahead of veteran defender Ben Gibson; the striker pounced on the loose ball inside the six‑yard area and slotted it home with a precise finish from three yards out. Portsmouth’s full‑back Jordan Williams came close to adding a third goal for the visitors, his effort skimming just outside Simkin's right‑hand upright. Nevertheless, Segecic, only 21 years old, capped off an outstanding individual display with his third goal of the match – his fourth in as many games – cementing his status as the team's leading scorer.
In the post‑match interview, Segecic was candid about the club's recent difficulties. "The culture needs to change. It is not right," he said, emphasizing the need for a new mindset. He reflected on the hardships the team had endured, describing the season as "abject" and calling for a ruthless approach to improvement.
Segecic stressed the importance of recruiting players with the right attitude and letting go of those who lack commitment, 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." Mousinho, speaking about his own future, reaffirmed his dedication to Portsmouth. "My full focus is on Portsmouth.
I love being here and love the city," he declared, adding that he has received no offers from other clubs and intends to honour the remaining years of his contract. Beyond the immediate result, the match carries broader implications for both clubs.
For Portsmouth, the win not only adds three valuable points but also serves as a morale boost ahead of the final fixtures, reinforcing the belief that the squad can compete effectively in the Championship. For Stoke, the defeat underscores a pattern of inconsistency that has seen them slide down the table despite early-season promise. The club will need to reassess tactics, squad depth, and perhaps most importantly, the mental resilience required to climb back up the standings.
The game also highlighted the importance of squad rotation and depth in a grueling season. The early injury to Bursik forced Mousinho to rely on his backup options, and Killip's performance between the sticks proved vital.
Similarly, Stoke's reliance on set‑piece opportunities, exemplified by Cisse's goal from a corner, demonstrated that they can still pose a threat when the chance arises. Looking ahead, Portsmouth will aim to build on this momentum, hoping to secure a comfortable mid‑table finish and perhaps lay the foundations for a future promotion push.
The club's management will likely continue to evaluate the squad, seeking to retain key performers like Segecic while addressing any lingering defensive frailties that were exposed during the match. For Stoke, the focus will be on regrouping and finding a way to convert their occasional flashes of quality into consistent results. The coaching staff may need to instil a stronger work ethic and foster a culture of accountability, echoing the sentiments expressed by Segecic regarding the need for a cultural shift. Overall, the encounter at the Bet365 Stadium provided a memorable showcase for Adrian Segecic, whose hat‑trick will be remembered by Portsmouth fans for years to come.
It also served as a reminder that in the Championship, fortunes can change quickly, and both clubs must remain vigilant, adaptable, and committed if they hope to achieve their respective ambitions.