Frank Lampard given brutal reminder as Coventry City thrashed by Portsmouth

Coventry City players acknowledged the fans at the final whistle after losing (Image: PA Media)

Callum Lang was the star of the show as he netted an impressive four goals to lead Portsmouth to a stunning 4-1 victory over Coventry at Fratton Park.

This served as a stark reminder to visiting manager Frank Lampard of the challenges posed in the second tier.

Norman Bassette had initially put Coventry ahead within 150 seconds, but Lang – who had never scored a professional hat-trick before – turned the game on its head with his outstanding individual performance.

This win bolsters Portsmouth's hopes of avoiding relegation. They began the day in the danger zone and marked their fourth consecutive home game without defeat.

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The final score seemed unlikely when Ephron Mason-Clark started strongly, setting up Bassette for an easy tap-in within three minutes.

Coventry City's Brandon Thomas-Asante dejected at the final whistle (Image: PA Media)

Despite Coventry having the chance to double their lead, it was Portsmouth who equalised in the 14th minute, thanks to a gift from goalkeeper Bradley Collins to Lang.

Mason-Clark hit the post, Jack Rudoni was denied by Schmid, Bassette found the side netting and Connor Ogilvie shot straight at Collins in a frantic match. However, Pompey took control of the game around half-time, scoring two minutes before and three minutes after the break.

Lang's second goal was a stunning display of attacking prowess as he capitalised on a weak defensive header from Jay Dasilva, held off the full-back and blasted the ball into the net from a sharp angle.

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Coventry City manager Frank Lampard arrives pre-match (Image: PA Media) SUBSCRIBE Invalid email

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The former Wigan forward then completed his first career hat-trick with a header from Freddie Potts’ corner, finding himself unmarked in the six-yard box.

His fourth goal was arguably his easiest, smashing into an open goal after Collins had brilliantly denied Bishop and clawed the ball away from the line. City boss Lampard made four substitutions in the 63rd minute, but they had little impact.

Despite winning all 16 matches against Pompey as a player, scoring 10 goals, Chelsea legend Lampard couldn't replicate that success as Coventry manager, suffering his second defeat.

Josh Eccles, one of the substitutes, had Coventry’s only shot of the second half in injury time – well saved by Schmid – but the visitors still only have two wins from 15 away trips.

Frank Lampard given brutal reminder as Coventry City thrashed by Portsmouth

Frank Lampard given brutal reminder as Coventry City thrashed by Portsmouth

Frank Lampard given brutal reminder as Coventry City thrashed by Portsmouth

Frank Lampard given brutal reminder as Coventry City thrashed by Portsmouth

Frank Lampard given brutal reminder as Coventry City thrashed by Portsmouth