Decisive figure's ruthless hat-trick lifts Portsmouth at Stoke | OneFootball

Adrian Segečić struck in the 32nd minute to set Portsmouth on their way to a 3-1 win at Stoke City, then completed a ruthless hat-trick to decide a bruising Championship game.

Segečić opened the scoring with a left-footed finish from the centre of the box (32.), timing his run to meet Harvey Blair's pass and punish a loose defensive shape.

After the restart he doubled the lead, arriving inside the six-yard area to turn in Joshua Murphy's cross (66.). He then threaded a pass for Jordan Williams, whose close range effort missed the target (70.).

The decisive midfielder sealed it late with another left-footer from outside the area into the bottom corner (82.). He finished with five attempts, three on target, and nine touches in the box, underlining constant penalty area presence as Portsmouth's reference point.

Because Portsmouth consistently fed early deliveries and quick cut-backs from wide areas, Segečić could attack space between centre-backs and full-backs. His movements kept Stoke's back line unsettled and tilted the key moments towards the visitors.

Portsmouth move up to 18th from 19th in the Championship and host Birmingham City next. Stoke City visit Bristol City on the final day.