Adrian Segecic etched his name into Portsmouth folklore on Saturday by delivering a first‑ever EFL hat‑trick for the club in a 3‑1 victory over Stoke City at the Bet365 Stadium. The 21‑year‑old Australian‑born Croatian striker opened the scoring in the 32nd minute, added a second after Lamine Cisse’s equaliser, and sealed the win with a composed finish from just outside the box eight minutes from the final whistle. This landmark performance not only secured three points for Pompey but also marked the first time the club has ever won at Stoke’s home ground. The match began with Portsmouth looking to rebound from a heavy 5‑1 defeat to Coventry City, a result that had already handed the league title to Frank Lampard’s side.
With relegation fears all but gone, manager John Mousinho made five changes to his starting XI, including the introduction of Austrian goalkeeper Nicolas Schmid. However, the plan was quickly upended when understudy keeper Josef Bursik, who was making his first start since the FA Cup loss to Arsenal in January, suffered an injury within three minutes of kickoff. Ben Killip was summoned to replace him, marking his first appearance since the September clash with Sheffield Wednesday. Around 3,000 Pompey supporters, buoyed by the club’s recent survival in the Championship, filled the stands and created a lively atmosphere despite the early stage of the season.
Thirteen minutes into the first half, Segecic seized the initiative. After receiving a well‑timed through‑ball from Harvey Blair, the former Sydney FC talent took a touch and unleashed a rising left‑footed strike that flew past Stoke goalkeeper Tommy Simkin, giving Portsmouth a 1‑0 lead and marking Segecic’s eighth goal of the campaign.
Stoke responded before the break, with Lamine Cisse finding the back post from a Sorba Thomas cross, only to be denied by Killip’s quick reflexes. The ball ricocheted in the six‑yard area, but neither the Spurs loanee Ash Phillips nor Cisse could convert, leaving the half‑time score at 1‑0 in Portsmouth’s favour. The visitors left the pitch to a chorus of boos, a reaction that turned to cheers shortly after the restart when Cisse headed home an in‑swinging corner delivered by Thomas, restoring parity at 1‑1. Portsmouth pressed for the lead again, and Segecic came close in the 62nd minute, his header striking the side netting.
Four minutes later, he made no mistake. A cross from Josh Murphy on the Stoke right wing was flicked on by Colby Bishop, and Segecic out‑muscled Ben Gibson to slot the ball home from three yards out, putting Pompey back in front at 2‑1.
Full‑back Jordan Williams nearly extended the lead for Portsmouth, but his effort drifted just wide of Simkin’s right‑hand upright. Undeterred, Segecic completed his personal hat‑trick in the 78th minute, curling a 20‑yard left‑footed effort into the top corner, sealing a memorable 3‑1 win and marking his fourth goal in two games. Beyond the on‑field drama, the result carried historical significance. Portsmouth’s last away victory at Stoke dated back to February 1995, when the club played at the former Victoria Ground.
Moreover, the defeat ensured that Stoke, who had briefly occupied second place earlier in the season, would endure an eighth consecutive finish in the bottom half of the table since their relegation from the Premier League in 2018. In the post‑match interview, Segecic reflected on the broader challenges facing his team.
He warned that the club’s culture needed a fundamental shift, describing the season as “abject” and emphasizing the necessity for ruthless standards, hard work, and the recruitment of players with genuine commitment. He criticised complacency, stating that “okay is not what we are aiming for” and urging a move away from mercenary attitudes.
His passionate remarks underscored the frustration felt by many supporters who have witnessed inconsistent performances and a lack of fighting spirit. Portsmouth manager John Mousinho also spoke about his personal commitment to the club. He affirmed his love for the city and the club, noting that he has received no offers from other clubs and intends to focus entirely on Portsmouth.
He highlighted the opportunity for the team to build momentum if they can “get things right” and emphasized his desire to stay beyond his current contract, which runs for a few more years. The win provided a morale boost for Portsmouth as they look ahead to the final matches of the season, aiming to consolidate their Championship status and perhaps lay the groundwork for a stronger push in the coming campaign. For Stoke City, the loss added to a string of disappointing finishes and highlighted the need for a strategic overhaul to return to the upper echelons of the league.
Off the pitch, the match was also promoted through Sky Sports’ digital platforms, with reminders to download the Sky Sports app and watch EFL action via NOW. Additionally, a promotional note mentioned a £250,000 prize pool for a Super 6 competition, encouraging fans to participate before the Saturday deadline. Overall, Adrian Segecic’s hat‑trick will be remembered as a defining moment in Portsmouth’s season, symbolising both individual brilliance and the collective hope for a brighter future for the club.