Portsmouth has returned to the Championship after a 12-year absence. They beat Barnsley 3-2, twice coming back from behind to secure the win. This win confirms their promotion and they will finish the season as champions. The game sparked celebrations at Fratton Park.
Devante Cole scored an early goal for Barnsley, but Kusini Yengi equalized for Portsmouth. John McAtee then restored the visitors’ lead. It looked like Portsmouth would not get the point they needed to guarantee promotion, but Colby Bishop scored from the penalty spot in the 83rd minute. Conor Shaughnessy then headed in from a corner six minutes later to seal the victory.
Elsewhere, Shrewsbury led twice through Daniel Udoh and Jordan Shipley, while Bolton responded through Cameron Jerome and Paris Maghoma. Maghoma’s 71st-minute equalizer takes Bolton within three points of second-placed Derby.
Portsmouth head coach John Mousinho:
“I think once everything settles down it will sink in properly. I’ve never experienced anything like that, the last 15 minutes, it was incredible.
“A tough night, tough conditions, but they got the job done. It’s hard for me to sum it up, but I get what’s happened over the last 15 years at the club and how difficult it was, on the brink of liquidation, to come back and have a night like this is incredible to be involved in.
“To be head coach, it is a privilege. Hopefully, we can have a few more nights like this.
“I never could have imagined this happening this quickly. This was the goal at some point, but didn’t think it would happen with two games to go this season. It is a remarkable achievement. That is a serious effort to be crowned champions ahead of some of the big boys in this league as well.”
