Thousands of fans flood on to Fratton Park pitch as Portsmouth return to Championship after 12 seasons away
THOUSANDS of home fans charged onto the pitch to celebrate Portsmouth sealing a Championship return after 12 years with a stunning late comeback win.
And Tuesday’s 3-2 victory over Barnsley also means John Mousinho has clinched the League One title – just 15 months into his first managerial job.
Supporters streamed out into the middle on the final whistle at famous Fratton Park, with hundreds more of the 19,960 crowd belting out songs in the stands.
After trailing twice, a penalty from Colby Bishop and a dramatic finish from Conor Shaughnessy clinched glory for Pompey in the last seven minutes.
Fans then headed onto the grass – leaving a square space in the middle where players and staff were hailed in wild scenes.
The 2008 FA Cup winners are eight points clear of second-placed Derby with two games remaining.
Bolton, in third spot, were held 2-2 at home by lowly Shrewsbury.
That leaves Wanderers three points adrift of the Rams.
Pompey’s triumph is a remarkable achievement for 37-year-old Mousinho.
The ex-Brentford, Wycombe and Burton defender quit as Oxford United player-coach in January 2023 to take the Portsmouth job.
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Pompey chief executive Andrew Cullen said Mousinho’s leadership and motivational skills were major reasons for the bold appointment – on a long-term contract.
Devante Cole had stunned Portsmouth fans by stabbing his 18th league goal of the season for Barnsley in the sixth minute.
Kusini Yengi soon smashed Pompey level.
But with the Tykes remaining a threat on the break, John McAtee coolly slotted the visitors in front just before the hour.
Eventually, however, hungry Portsmouth turned it around.
Sub Christian Saydee was tripped for Bishop to slot a spot-kick equaliser.
And Shaughnessy was the surprise matchwinner on 89 minutes.