Thousands of fans flood onto Fratton Park pitch as Portsmouth return to Championship after 12 seasons away

THOUSANDS of home fans surged onto the pitch to celebrate Portsmouth sealing a Championship return after 12 years with a stunning late comeback win.

And Tuesday’s 3-2 victory over Barnsley also means John Mousinho has clinched the League One title – just 15 months into his first managerial job.

GettyTino Anjorin was mobbed afterwards by joyous Portsmouth followers[/caption]

GettyHome supporters went crazy on the pitch after the final whistle[/caption]

RexSupporters engulfed the pitch in celebration[/caption]

And they sealed the third-tier crown with Tuesday’s 3-2 victory over play-off contenders Barnsley in front of a 19,960 crowd.

After trailing twice, a penalty from Colby Bishop and a header from Conor Shaughnessy clinched glory in the last seven minutes.

Portsmouth supporters swarmed out into the middle on the final whistle at Fratton Park to rejoice.

Fans left a square space in the middle where players and staff were hailed in wild scenes.

Portsmouth are eight points clear of second-placed Derby with two games remaining.

Bolton, in third spot, were held 2-2 at home by lowly Shrewsbury.

That leaves Wanderers three points adrift of the Rams.

Pompey’s triumph is a remarkable achievement for 37-year-old Mousinho.

The ex-Brentford, Wycombe and Burton defender quite as Oxford United player-coach in January 2023 to take the Portsmouth job.

Pompey chief executive Andrew Cullen said Mousinho’s leadership and motivational skills were major reasons for the bold appointment – on a long-term contract.

Devante Cole had stunned Portsmouth fans by stabbing his 18th league goal of the season for Barnsley in the sixth minute.

RexFans hail Conor Shaughnessy after his 89th-minute winner[/caption]

PAColby Bishop hails his match-turning late penalty[/caption]