John Mousinho’s men bounced back from a dreadfully dull first half to raise their game in the second half and should really have taken the lead through Makenzie Kirk.
However, the striker, marking his full debut, failed to convert substitute Josh Murphy’s cross from five yards out – and moments later Stoke claimed the decisive goal after heading Sorba Thomas’ cross into his own net.
The Blues failed to respond to that 71st-minute set-back and Stoke cantered to victory. And here are our Pompey player ratings...
9. Conor Chaplin - 6
Surprisingly continued to be played on the right, despite the absence of Swift. Neither flank offered anything in the first half and, while he grew into it after the break, the Blues still aren’t getting the best out of him. Photo: Stephen Flynn
10. Minhyeok Yang - 5
(Replaced by Josh Murphy on 67 mins) So disappointing. Struggled to get involved, even in Pompey’s improved display after half-time and too much on the periphery. Murphy created more in one minute. Photo: Steve Bailey
11. Colby Bishop - 6
Not often in his Pompey career has he found a strike partner, yet he was paired to Kirk. Usually Bishop dropped deeper, taking him further from goal, though. Now nine matches without scoring - and how he would have loved that Kirk second-half shooting chance. Photo: Graham Hunt
12. Makenzie Kirk - 6
Handed his full Pompey debut following goal-scoring entrance against Coventry and should have really marked it with another goal, only to miss from five-yards out after Murphy’s wonderful cross. Provided an added threat for the Blues, though, with movement into challenges. Also tried to gee up the Fratton End after winning one corner in the second half. Photo: Steven Paston