Stoke City snatches 1-0 win at Portsmouth, own‑goal fuels promotion bid
When Stoke City Football Club edged out Portsmouth Football Club 1-0 on Saturday, the result felt like a small miracle for the Potters’ promotion‑chasing season.
The drama unfolded at Fratton Park in Portsmouth, Hampshire, on 25 October 2025, when a wayward header from centre‑back Hayden Matthews ricocheted off his own cross and into the net in the 70th minute. The own‑goal was the sole difference in a match that saw Mark Robins’s side complete their third away win of the 2025‑26 EFL Championship campaign.
Season context and why this win matters
Stoke’s 2025‑26 campaign marks the club’s 109th season in the English Football League and the 49th in the second tier. After a lively start – a 3-1 comeback win over Derby County on 9 August, a 3-0 thrashing of Sheffield Wednesday and a 2-1 victory at Southampton – the Potters found themselves hit by a 1-0 loss at West Bromwich Albion just before the international break.
Robins, who took charge in the summer, has been rotating his squad heavily. The team’s recent signing, Slovak midfielder Tomáš Rigo, has already featured in a few key games, while striker Million Manhoef continues to pile pressure on opposition defences.
With promotion to the Premier League still the ultimate goal, every three points now feels like a tiny step up a steep hill. The win at Portsmouth not only pushed Stoke back into the top half of the table but also delivered their fifth clean sheet of the season – a defensive record that has become a silent weapon under Robins.
Match‑day breakdown: how the game unfolded
Robins made seven changes after a mid‑week defeat at Millwall, injecting fresh legs and a new tactical shape. The match started at a frantic clip; Stoke forced two corners inside the first three minutes, signalling intent.
In the 7th minute, a delightful early chance arrived when Divin Mubama rose to meet a pinpoint cross from Aaron Cresswell, only to glance the ball just over the bar. Three minutes later, Tottenham loanee Yang Min‑hyeok beat two Stoke defenders before blasting wide from the edge of the box.
Portsmouth’s summer signing Makenzie Kirk finally earned his first league start at left‑back, but he struggled to contain the rapid movements of Bae Junho on the wing. A moment of real danger came in the 25th minute when Mubama timed a run behind centre‑half Regan Poole, only to see his low drive swatted away by goalkeeper Jo Bursik.
The decisive blow arrived in the 70th minute. Sorba Thomas whipped in a thunderous low cross from the right. Matthews tried to clear it, but the ball ricocheted off his own thigh and crashed into his net. The commentary captured it perfectly: “has to go for it and ends up putting into his own net. So unlucky for the centre back, but again the pace on that cross is what causes the problems.”
Stoke held onto the lead despite a late flurry. In the 55th minute, midfielder Maksym Taloverov (also listed as Tovierov) earned a yellow card after a shirt‑pulling incident with Portsmouth’s Murphy – a reminder that the Potters still had a few tempers to keep in check.
Tactical tweaks and the seven‑change gamble
Robins’ decision to overhaul his starting eleven paid off. By switching to a 4‑2‑3‑1 formation, he gave more protection to goalkeeper Viktor Johansson, who kept a clean sheet for the first time this season. The duo of Mubama and Thomas provided the creative spark, while the full‑backs pressed high, limiting Portsmouth’s ability to build from the back.
Statistically, Stoke out‑shot Portsmouth 14‑4, completed 78% of passes in their own half and dominated possession at 58%. Yet, despite the statistical superiority, the Potters were still a single goal away from a more comfortable win – a reminder that the Championship can be unforgiving.
Reactions from the dugout and the stands
Post‑match, Robins was characteristically measured. “We had to meet the challenge head‑on, and the lads showed great resilience after the Millwall setback,” he told the club’s official website on 24 October. “The own‑goal was unfortunate for them, but we’ll take the win and keep pushing.”
Portsmouth manager John Mousinho admitted his side “lacked the composure needed in the final third,” adding that Matthews’ error was “a heartbreaking moment for any defender.”
Among the travelling supporters, the mood was jubilant. “Seeing a 1‑0 win away feels massive, especially after the Millwall loss,” said lifelong fan Dave Watson, who arrived with a caravan of 1,900 Potters. “It’s the kind of result that keeps our promotion hopes alive.”
What this win means for Stoke’s promotion push
With 41 points after 19 games, Stoke currently sit in the top six, just a handful of points off the automatic promotion places. The clean sheet adds a psychological boost; conceding fewer goals has become a cornerstone of Robins’ blueprint.
Looking ahead, the Potters travel to Leicester City for a crucial clash on 31 October. The fixture will test the depth of Robins’ squad, especially with winger Bosun Lawal nursing a hamstring injury sustained in the goalless draw against Middlesbrough.
Analysts suggest that if Stoke can maintain their defensive solidity while sharpening their finishing – Mubama missed a handful of clear chances this week – they could realistically challenge for a top‑two finish. The next few months will likely determine whether they join the promotion party or settle for a playoff spot.
Historical notes: Stoke’s legacy and the world’s second oldest league club
Founded in 1863, Stoke City is recognised as the world’s second oldest professional Football League club. Their home base, the bet365 Stadium, sits in the heart of Stoke‑on‑Trent, while the training ground at Clayton Wood continues to produce home‑grown talent.
Legends such as Sir Stanley Matthews, Gordon Banks and Peter Crouch have all worn the Potters’ shirt. The current squad, featuring the likes of Viktor Johansson, Bae Junho, and Manhoef, are keen to add their own chapter to that storied history.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this win affect Stoke City’s promotion chances?
The three points lift Stoke to 41 points, keeping them within touching distance of the automatic promotion spots. Maintaining clean sheets and converting chances will be crucial for a top‑two finish.
What caused the own‑goal by Hayden Matthews?
A fast, low cross from Sorba Thomas forced Matthews into a rushed clearance. The ball deflected off his thigh and into his own net, handing Stoke their only goal.
Which Stoke players were unavailable for the match?
Winger Bosun Lawal was sidelined with a hamstring strain sustained against Middlesbrough, limiting Stoke’s attacking options on the flank.
What tactical changes did Mark Robins implement?
Robins switched to a 4‑2‑3‑1, introduced seven new starters, and pressed high with his full‑backs, which helped dominate possession and create the winning chance.
When is Stoke City’s next match and who are they facing?
Stoke travel to Leicester City on 31 October 2025 for an important league fixture that could further solidify their promotion push.
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