Portsmouth secured their inaugural victory of the Championship campaign with a convincing 3-1 win against Lincoln, marking a bright start after two opening defeats. The visitors, who had stumbled in their first two fixtures with identical scorelines, were under pressure early on, but a swift seventh‑minute strike from Ryan Kavuma‑McQueen gave them the momentum they needed.
Kavuma‑McQueen, operating on the left side of the penalty area, received a well‑timed pass and unleashed a low, precise shot that nestled into the bottom corner, silencing the home crowd and putting Portsmouth firmly in control. Just nine minutes later, Adrian Segecic doubled the lead, curling a powerful free‑kick from the edge of the box past Lincoln keeper George Wickens with his left foot. The Australian’s delivery was clinical, leaving no doubt about the Imps' growing concerns. Lincoln managed to claw one back before the half‑hour mark when Reeco Hackett converted a penalty.
The spot‑kick was awarded after Adam Reach’s 20‑yard effort was judged to have been handled by defender Zak Swanson while attempting to block the shot. Hackett’s composure from the spot narrowed the deficit to 2‑1, but the home side struggled to generate further clear‑cut chances.
The first half featured several noteworthy moments. Lincoln opened the scoring chance‑wise when they earned a free‑kick just outside the box within the opening two minutes, but Portsmouth’s goalkeeper Nicolas Schmid comfortably tipped the ball over. A subsequent corner from Ivan Varfolomeev was initially cleared, only for his second delivery to be met by captain Tendayi Darikwa, whose first‑time effort was deflected away, prompting another corner. Freddie Draper then set up Ben House, but House’s shot lacked the necessary power, allowing Schmid to make an easy save.
The second half began with both teams testing each other’s defenses under a bright sun at the ProAmpac Stadium. Early on, Lincoln’s Colby Bishop produced a looping header that was safely gathered by Wickens. However, Portsmouth’s dominance resurfaced when substitute Ebrima Adams, given space in the middle of the park, surged forward and unleashed a spectacular 25‑yard strike at the 69‑minute mark, sealing the victory.
Adams’ goal was a testament to his technical ability and composure, leaving the Imps with little time to recover. Lincoln’s attempts to get back into the game continued, with Hackett and Varfolomeev both sending shots wide of the target. Bishop also forced a crucial intervention from Wickens, who had to push the ball out for a corner after a dangerous cross. Unfortunately for the home side, Darikwa was forced off with a knee injury ten minutes into the second half, prompting the debut of record signing Andrei Coubis, who struggled to make a significant impact.
In the final minutes, Segecic came close to adding a fourth goal for Portsmouth, but his low effort was comfortably saved by Wickens, ensuring the scoreline remained 3‑1. The match concluded with Portsmouth’s players celebrating a well‑earned three points, while Lincoln were left to contemplate another missed opportunity in their quest for a win in the second tier—a quest that has eluded them for over six decades. Post‑match reactions highlighted the contrasting emotions of both camps.
Portsmouth captain John Mousinho praised his side’s performance, stating, "It was an excellent display considering the context. Facing a team that amassed 103 points last season, we showed resilience against their physicality and created real attacking threats. There were a few defensive lapses, particularly the goal we conceded, but overall we executed the game plan well and secured the reaction we needed." Lincoln’s manager expressed disappointment, noting, "We dominated large portions of the first half but were let down by the goals we allowed. The early concession knocked the wind out of our sails, and although we responded positively, the second half fizzled out.
Freddy Draper and Ben House caused problems in the first half, which was encouraging, but we cannot continue to concede as many goals as we have in recent games. We need to regroup, think about tightening up defensively, and improve our overall solidity." The match also featured several broadcast and fan‑engagement notes, reminding viewers to watch Championship highlights for free and to use Chrome for an optimal video experience. Additionally, promotional content encouraged fans to participate in a Super 6 competition with a chance to win £250,000, underscoring the blend of sport and entertainment that surrounds modern football. Overall, Portsmouth’s victory not only provided them with vital points after a shaky start but also demonstrated their capacity to adapt and seize opportunities.
For Lincoln, the defeat serves as a reminder of the fine margins in the Championship and the need for greater defensive discipline as they continue their long‑awaited return to second‑tier football.