Segecic and Priske Trade Goals as Portsmouth and Birmingham Draw 1-1 on Final Day

Key facts

• Portsmouth and Birmingham drew 1-1 at Fratton Park on matchday 46 of the 2025-26 Championship season.
• Adrian Segecic opened the scoring for Portsmouth in the eighth minute, his fifth goal in three games.
• August Priske equalized for Birmingham in the 19th minute with a free header from Kai Wagner's corner, his first goal for the club.
• Portsmouth finished 18th in the Championship table, nine points above the relegation zone and eight places below Birmingham.
• Birmingham finished 10th with 17 wins, 12 draws, and 16 losses from 45 games, failing to reach the playoffs.
• Birmingham have the joint third-worst away record in the Championship, collecting 19 points from 22 road trips.
• Portsmouth are unbeaten in their last three home league matches, taking seven points from those games.
• Birmingham have lost their last two visits to Fratton Park, conceding seven goals in the process.

A Dead Rubber with a Lively Start

Portsmouth and Birmingham City concluded their Championship campaigns with a 1-1 draw at Fratton Park on Saturday, a result that reflected the minimal stakes of a matchday 46 fixture between two sides already assured of their status for next season. The game, however, began with a burst of energy as Adrian Segecic gave the home side the lead inside eight minutes, collecting Jordan Williams' cutback and firing home for his fifth goal in three appearances. Birmingham responded swiftly, with August Priske powering a free header from Kai Wagner's corner in the 19th minute to level the score and register his first goal for the club.

Chances Squandered on Both Sides

Both teams created opportunities to take the lead before halftime. Conor Chaplin, introduced as a first-half substitute for Portsmouth, had a chance in stoppage time but sent his shot high and wide of James Beadle's goal. For Birmingham, Ibraham Osman squandered a clear opening, dragging an effort wide from inside the area. After the interval, Chaplin forced a superb save from Beadle with a half-volley, but neither side could find a winner. The match ended with the scoreline unchanged, a fair reflection of the balance of play.

Portsmouth's Survival and Managerial Uncertainty

Portsmouth secured their third consecutive season of Championship football earlier this month, effectively sealing survival with three successive victories over promotion contenders Middlesbrough and Ipswich Town, followed by a 1-0 win over Leicester City. Their safety was officially confirmed on the same night they suffered a heavy 5-1 defeat to champions Coventry City. Manager John Mousinho's future has since become a topic of speculation, with reports linking him to the vacant managerial position at fellow Championship side Bristol City. Portsmouth fans hope Saturday's match was not Mousinho's final game in charge, as the club seeks its first victory on the final day of a season in the top two tiers since beating Middlesbrough 5-1 in 2003-04.

Birmingham's Top-Half Finish Falls Short of Ambition

Birmingham City, who cruised to the League One title last season, entered the campaign with playoff ambitions but ultimately finished 10th, a top-half position that nevertheless represents a shortfall. Chris Davies's side won 17, drew 12, and lost 16 of their 45 league games, with their away form proving a significant weakness. They collected just 19 points from 22 road trips, the joint third-worst record in the division, and have lost their last two visits to Fratton Park, conceding seven goals. Despite this, Birmingham ended the season on a positive note, winning three of their final four matches, including back-to-back 2-1 home victories over Preston North End and Bristol City.

Team News and Injury Updates

Portsmouth were without injured goalkeeper Josef Bursik for the final game, with Ben Killip expected to start. The home side also gave a late fitness test to Paraguayan forward Gustavo Caballero, who was battling a calf issue. Birmingham manager Chris Davies confirmed no fresh injury worries ahead of the match, and Ibrahim Osman was available again after missing the previous weekend's 2-1 win over Bristol City.

Outlook: A Season of Contrasts

For Portsmouth, finishing 18th and nine points above the relegation zone represents a solid if unspectacular campaign, but the uncertainty over Mousinho's future adds a layer of intrigue to the offseason. Birmingham, meanwhile, will reflect on a season that began with promise but was undermined by poor away form, leaving them 10 points adrift of the playoff places. Both sides will now turn their attention to the summer transfer window and preparations for the 2026-27 Championship season.

The bottom line

• Portsmouth finished 18th, nine points clear of relegation, while Birmingham ended 10th, missing the playoffs.
• Adrian Segecic scored his fifth goal in three games for Portsmouth; August Priske netted his first for Birmingham.
• Birmingham's away record (19 points from 22 games) was the joint third-worst in the Championship.
• Portsmouth manager John Mousinho is a candidate for the vacant Bristol City job, casting doubt on his future.
• Birmingham have lost their last two visits to Fratton Park, conceding seven goals.