Classy Portsmouth dismiss West Brom in huge Championship survival victory
Pompey soared to a huge three survival points as they turned on the style to dismiss West Brom.
Conor Chaplin’s maiden goal of his second Blues spell was the highlight of a classy 3-0 victory over the hapless Baggies, as his side moved four points clear of the Championship drop zone.
Chaplin set his side on their way with Millenic Alli and Ebou Adams getting the other goals, as John Mousinho’s side served up a swaggering one-sided victory.
That makes it 15 points out of 24 with one league loss in eight for Pompey, who leapfrogged their opponents in the table.
Pompey parked the Callum Lang transfer talk and set the bar for a ferocious first-half display, as they flew out of the traps with Chaplin firing past the post after a couple of minutes.
A strong penalty appeal wasn’t given after eight minutes as Nat Phillips appeared to pull Adrian Segecic to the ground, but referee Matthew Donohue ignored Pompey’s appeals.
Then came the moment Chaplin had been waiting for after 20 minutes, when the huge favourite fired the first goal since his return last summer.
It was Millenic Alli who was the architect with his cutback rifled home by Chaplin from 12 yards, with an emotional explosion following and the academy graduate in tears as ‘he’s one of our own’ boomed around Fratton.
One goal became two after 26 minutes - thanks to an imperious through ball form Andre Dozzell to Alli, with the Luton loanee firing home and celebrating with a Lomana Luaua-style somersault.
The West Brom fans responded with chants of ‘you’re not fit to wear the shirt’ as Fratton rocked.
Terry Devlin and Adrian Segecic then had decent efforts as Pompey dominated, before Max O’Leary reacted well to save Devlin’s deflected drive.
West Brom made a triple change at the break and started the second half with more purpose, but the Baggies’ brittle confidence was shattered by Pompey’s third goal after 49 minutes.
It was Chaplin who turned provider and threaded a delightful ball to Adams, who fired home via Max O’Leary’s palm.
Mikey Johnston’s 25 yarder was tipped over by Nicolas Schmid in the 55th minutes, as West Brom offered a modicum of threat.
Former Fratton favourite Jed Wallace was then given a warm ovation, when he was introduced in the 63rd minute.
There was concern as Bishop was forced off through injury after a challenge from Chris Mepham.
That was the only black market on an afternoon which ended with ole football on a day to savour.