Portsmouth produced a stunning performance to claim only their second Championship away win in 17 matches, overcoming Norwich City 5-3 in a thrilling contest at Carrow Road.
Colby Bishop was the star of the show, grabbing a hat-trick to fire Pompey six points clear of the relegation zone. The result also ended any lingering hopes Norwich had of reaching the play-offs.
Portsmouth struck first after 15 minutes when Jordan Williams delivered a deep cross, which Bishop met with a precise low header. However, the Canaries responded swiftly as Josh Sargent hammered home an equaliser after a corner was half-cleared.
Despite the setback, the visitors remained dangerous on the break. Matt Ritchie restored Portsmouth’s lead, finishing a fine team move involving Josh Murphy and Isaac Hayden.
Moments before the break, Bishop extended Pompey’s advantage from the penalty spot after Hayden was fouled in the box. And it took just minutes after the restart for Bishop to complete his hat-trick, reacting quickest after George Long had parried Murphy’s shot.
Norwich fought back when Jack Stacey fired an unstoppable shot into the top corner after a clever pass from Jacob Wright, but Portsmouth quickly regained their three-goal cushion. Regan Poole finished Adil Aouchiche’s inviting cross to make it 5-2.
Emiliano Marcondes grabbed a late goal for Norwich, but it proved merely a consolation as the Canaries’ winless run stretched to four matches.
After the match, Norwich manager Johannes Hoff Thorup reflected on his team’s defensive frailties:
“Based on the game, it is fair we didn’t win it. There were many things defensively we didn’t get right. It comes down to preparation and being ready for what your opponent brings to a game and we didn’t match that at all.
“I had the feeling that every time they brought the ball forward it could be a chance or a goal against. We have to look at that; it is definitely a weakness. It is simple situations we struggle to deal with.”
Norwich now sit 13 points adrift of sixth place with just three matches left, while Portsmouth’s morale-boosting victory could prove pivotal as they fight to avoid an immediate return to League One.
Writer’s View
Portsmouth delivered the perfect away performance when it mattered most, showing more energy, commitment, and quality than their hosts. Colby Bishop’s clinical display underlined his importance to Pompey’s survival bid, while Norwich’s defensive collapse raised major questions for Johannes Hoff Thorup. With both sides now looking toward very different goals, the contrasting emotions at full time were stark.
