'The Wall' Snatches Last Gasp Point For Jekyll and Hyde Potters

Newcastle United 2-2 Stoke City

Abdoulaye Faye returned to haunt his former employers with a stoppage time equaliser as Stoke faught back from 2-0 down at half time to draw 2-2 on Tyneside.

Tony Pulis made a few suprise changes to the starting eleven with Ibrahima Sonko prefered to Leon Cort at centre back, Danny Pugh coming in for his first start of the season on the left wing, and perhaps most suprising of all, Richard Cresswell chosen ahead of Ricardo Fuller in attack.

The changes to the team however appeared to backfire as Newcastle dominated the opening exchanges, and deservadly took the lead on eight minutes when the lively Argentine winger Jonas Gutierrez played through Michael Owen who swept the ball past Thomas Sorensen for the opener.

It was just the kind of start we didnt need and we didn't have to wait long for things to get worse, as the Potters appeared to be continuing where they left off on Tuesday's following the hugely disappointing performance against Derby in the Carling Cup.

On 24 minutes Geremi played in Obafemi Martins who played the ball across Sorensen to provide Owen with a simple tap in to double the home sides' advantage. At this stage the wrist slashers were sharpening their knives as memories of last month's capitulation at Old Trafford came flooding back, with Newcastle threatning to run riot.

Just before the second goal Glenn Whelan had replaced the injured Salif Diao and his introduction gave the midfield some much needed balance as the Potters steadied the ship and held out to go in only two down at half time.

Fresh from an ear bashing from the manager, Stoke came out fired up for the second half and were dealt a stroke of luck when an injury to Newcastle midfielder Danny Guthrie appeared to unsettle the Magpies and forced them onto the defensive.

Fuller replaced the ineffective Rory Delap and was quickly into his stride as he skipped past Fabricio Collocini before squaring to Sidibe who reduced the deficit on the hour.

It was Stoke who now had the bit between their teeth as Newcastle, who had looked so dominant in the first half, lost their shape and seemed content to hold onto their lead rather than trying to increase it.

Fuller then tested Shay Given himself with a left foot volley before Abdoulaye Faye and Pugh missed further chances to bring the Potters level. Meanwhile Sonko was proving himself to be yet another long throw specialist in the Stoke armoury with several threatning launches into the box with Delap off the park.

It looked as though the Potters' valiant second half efforts were all going to be vain before Faye produced a dramatic equaliser a minute into stoppage time. Whelen delivered an inviting free kick into the Newcastle penalty area which saw Danny Higginbotham flick towards the back post where Faye was on hand to smash the ball past Given to complete a fabulous comeback, and send the travelling fans into raptures.

To compound a miserable second half for Newcastle, manager Joe Kinnear was sent to the stands by referee Mike Riley for complaining excessivly about Sebastien Bassong's foul on Fuller, which lead to the free kick in the run up to the equaliser.

After such a dismal first half performance this had been a superb effort from the Potters in what could turn out to be a crucial moment over the course of the season. This was more than a valuable point against a relegation rival, the comeback will give both players and fans alike the belief that Stoke can perform away from home, that they can compete when the going gets tough and that they can get those all important points needed for Premier League survival.

Man of the Match - Abdoulaye Faye - Produced vital blocks at crucial times and popped up with a deserved first goal for the club with that dramatic last minute equaliser. Again we ask, just what were Newcastle thinking when they let this man come to Stoke for just £2.25 million?

Attendance - 47,422

Newcastle: Given, Beye, Coloccini, Bassong, Jose Enrique, N'Zogbia, Geremi (Cacapa,82), Guthrie (Taylor,46), Gutierrez, Owen, Martins (Viduka,74)

Stoke: Sorensen, Griffin, Sonko, Abdoulaye Faye, Higginbotham, Delap (Fuller,57), Amdy Faye (Tonge,78), Diao (Whelan,21), Pugh, Cresswell, Sidibe

Satan's Little Helper Does It Again As Cup Dream Ends

Stoke City 0-1 Derby County

Rob Styles, the man who produced one of the worst refereeing displays of all time, all them years ago at Gillingham, the man who gave two penalties against us at Crystal Palace, the clown who has proved time and time again that Stevie Wonder is indeed more useful as a referee, has done it again to us.

The Potters crashed out of the Carling Cup tonight after referee Rob Styles stole the show in awarding Derby a controversial last minute penalty that was promptly dispatched by Nathan Ellington, as Stoke blew a massive chance to make the semi finals for the first time since winning the trophy back in 1972.

Stoke could have been ahead inside the first minute when Rory Delap just failed to connect with Mamady Sidibe's left wing cross, when free inside the area.

Both sides lacked creativity in the first half as neither keeper were really tested. But it was during the first half that the first real controversy of the game took place. Richard Cresswell, playing left wing, charged down a clearence, before slotting past Roy Carroll for what we thought was the opening goal, only to find out that Styles had in fact pulled play back for a handball.

As the second half began both sides looked to up the tempo, but it was Derby who had the bit between their teeth and should have taken the lead five minutes into the second half when Ellington produced an inviting cross which saw former Potter Kris Commons crash his header against the bar, before Rob Hulse somehow managed to head the rebound wide from six with an open goal in front of him.

It was Stoke's turn to attack next, Ricardo Fuller missed a glorious chance to open the scoring after he headed over when unmarked from six yards. With the clock ticking down Derby hung on as Carroll superbly tipped away Cresswell's header from a Glenn Whelan free kick before defender James Tomkins heroicly denied Fuller from the rebound.

Derby then came closest to breaking the deadlock when Miles Addison flicked a Commons corner against the post, with Ellington inches away from turning the ball home.

Carroll was again called into action when he smartly tipped away a curling 25 yard Whelan free kick as the game headed for extra time.

But it was time for Styles to take centre stage. Derby took a quick short corner that caught the Potters' defence unaware. The cross was charged down by Andy Griffin but Styles agree with protests from the Derby fans and awarded a penalty for handball. It was a 50/50 decision but whether it was a penalty or not, it was no more a 'handball' than Cresswell's had been in the first half. It was yet another example of how Styles treats touch and go decisions when Stoke are involved. Ellington kept his nerve and stroked away the penalty to send the 5000 travelling fans into raptures, as Stoke were once again left to ponder what might have been.

In all fairness Derby probably deserved the win, Stoke were just not at the races at all on a disappointing night. It's always a bitter pill to swallow when you lose in controversial circumstances with such a massive prize on offer. I'm sure all Stokies would rather see three points in Saturday's crucial game at St James' Park over a win tonight, but I fear this one is going to take some time to get over.

Man of the Match - Glenn Whelan - Top draw delivery from set pieces and was one of only a few Stoke players who actually looked a threat

Attendance - 22,034

Stoke: Simonsen, Griffin, Cort, Sonko, Higginbotham, Delap, Olofinjana (Pugh,81), Whelan, Cresswell, Sidibe, Fuller.

Derby: Carroll, Connolly, Powell, Tomkins, Stewart, Kazmierczak, Green (Teale,90), Addison, Commons, Hulse (Villa,86), Ellington.

Ricardo Rescues Point For Potters

Stoke City 1-1 Hull City

Ricardo Fuller salvaged a point for Stoke with a late penalty after Marlon King had given the Tigers had a first half lead in an entertaining encounter in the Britannia fog.

The Potters began the afternoon with the fourth best home record in the Premier League, whilst Hull had only been beaten by champions Manchester United on their travels this season.

Stoke started the better with Fuller and Mamady Sidibe causing the Tigers' defence problems whilst Abdoulaye Faye and the recalled Leon Cort were keeping dangermen Marlon King and Giovanni quiet.

Hull were dealing comfortably with the unique threat of Rory Delap's throw in's but should have gone behind when Fuller played in Sidibe who took too much time with the finish and allowed Michael Turner chance to make a last ditch clearance.

Tigers keeper Boaz Myhill, who has this week been linked with Inter Milan among other clubs, seemed to be struggling with his kicking and almost let Stoke in when Tom Soares closed down the Welsh international and forced him into kick the ball out for a corner with Fuller also closing in.

Hull substitute Dean Windass was doing his best to antagonise the Potters by deliberatly trying to put of Delap during his throw in's by warming up in the way of te midfielder. Windass was given his rightful reward when referee Straod showed the portly striker the yellow card towards the end of the first half.

With the game heading into half time level Hull struck just before the interval when Turner headed Giovanni's inviting free kick across goal for King to control and clinically swival the ball into the top corner leaving Sorensen no chance.

It was far from what Hull had deserved but in all fairness it had taken that extra bit of quality to break the deadlock.

The Potters came out fired up and were almost level when Fuller connected with Delap only real threatning throw of the afternoon but saw his header brilliantly saved by Myhill.

The Tigers were now on the back foot and substitute Michael Tonge so nearly provided the perfect cross on the hour, when his low drive was missed by both Fuller and Delap by inches with Myhill beaten.

It was looking like it was not going to be Stoke's day, but in the 73rd minute Fuller reacted quickest to a loose ball in the Hull penalty area and was bought down by Myhill whilst going round the keeper. It was one of them penalties you'd argue about if it went against you but in fairness was probably the right decision. Fuller picked himself up and slotted home the penalty despite Myhill getting a good hand to the ball. 1-1 and the game was very much on.

Myhill again produced a fine save to deny Tigers' old boy Leon Cort moments later, when the defender diverted Andy Griffin's low cross towards goal from six yards only to see the keeper make an excellent stop down low to his right.

Hull threw on striker Daniel Cousin as they went all out for the win and Stoke were thankful for Abdoulaye Faye who first prevented King a free run on goal before he produced a crucial block to deny Cousin after the former Rangers man had sprung the offside trap, as the game entered the final stages.

It was Giovanni again who could have won the game for the Tigers when he fired over after cutting in from the left, but as the final whistle blew both sides would have been happy with a point despite both teams but particularly Stoke having the chances to have won the game.

It was nevertheless a useful point for the Potters who could have just as easily lost this game as won it, and does at least provide a platform going into a crucial set of games starting with fellow relegation rivals Newcastle at St James' Park next weekend.

Man of the Match - Abdoulaye Faye - Immense as usual and produced a world class piece of defending to deny Cousin in the closing stages - This man needs a song!

Attendance - 27,500

Stoke: Sorensen, Griffin, Abdoulaye Faye, Cort, Higginbotham, Delap, Amdy Faye, Diao, Soares (Tonge 62), Sidibe, Fuller.

Hull: Myhill, McShane, Turner, Zayatte, Ricketts, Marney, Boateng (Cousin,78), Ashbee, Barmby (Halmosi,69), Geovanni (Garcia,90), King.

Potters Continue Baggies Hoodoo With Crucial Win

Stoke City 1-0 West Bromwich Albion

Mamady Sidibe scored a sublime winner five minutes from time to ensure Stoke suffered no hangover from last weeks mauling at Old Trafford and got back to winning ways.

After taking such a beating last week, West Brom at home was the ideal follow up game given that the Baggies are bottom of the table and on a bad run themselves and furthermore given that they have failed to win in Stoke since 1982 and have only beat their bogey team once in the league home or away since 1988.

Tom Soares came into the team replacing Seyi Olofinjana on the right, whilst Dave Kitson was given the chance to replace the suspended Ricardo Fuller in attack. Kitson, still searching for his first goal in the red and white, was unfortunate to pick up an injury in the scramble that followed an early Rory Delap throw in and was replaced by Richard Cresswell.

It was Sidibe who was first to go close, when he surprised everyone with a snap shot from around 30 yards that saw keeper Scott Carson divert the ball around the post when it was heading for the top corner.

West Brom meanwhile were struggling to open up a solid defence and began going against their carpet football principles with several aimless long balls forward towards Ishmael Miller with limited success. Only once did Miller craft himself a chance with a half volley that Sorensen watched as it dipped harmlessly onto the roof of the net.

Stoke forced several throw in's in the first half but for once Delap apperaed to have an off day as a combination of strong winds and to be fair solid West Brom defending reduced the threat from the Potters' not so secret weapon.

The second half started much brighter and it was Soares who was first to test Carson, who was getting continues stick from a merciless Boothen End crowd for his mid-week howler for England. Sidibe played in Cresswell who swivelled on the edge of the box to set up the young winger, but his deflected shot was comfortably saved by Carson.


The introduction of Michael Tonge for Soares seemed to give Stoke a new dimension in attack and he was next to test Carson with a swerving effert that the keeper gathered at the second attempt. Miller continued to probe away at the Potters defence but a low shot that was easily saved by Sorenesen was all he had to show for his efferts.

Captain Andy Griffin was almost punished for some sloppy defending when he was dispossesed by substitute Felipe Teixeira only to see the Portugese midfielder fire over when one on one with Sorensen. The Baggies knew given their record in this part of Staffordshire, they couldnt afford to miss such inviting opportnities.

They were made to pay on 85 minutes when Danny Higginbotham combined brilliantly with Tonge to provide the perfect cross for Sidibe who buried his header into the corner leaving Carson with no chance. It was the one moment of genuine quality in the match that had been the difference, and it was even described by Paul Merson as 'world class'.

West Brom looked a beaten team and despite their best efferts couldnt force an equaliser as they slipped to yet another defeat against Stoke. It was a huge win for the Potters over a side destined to be a relegation survival rival come the end of the season, and now makes it an impressive four consecutive home wins in the Premier Laegue.

Man of the Match - Mamady Sidibe - Filled Ricardo Fuller's big boots with a brilliant display and a deserved winning goal. As usual won everything in the air and was a constant threat to the Baggies defence all afternoon.

Attendance - 26,613

Stoke: Sorensen, Griffin, Abdoulaye Faye, Shawcross (Cort,80), Higginbotham, Soares (Tonge,65), Amdy Faye, Diao, Delap, Kitson (Cresswell,11), Sidibe.

West Brom: Carson, Zuiverloon, Meite, Olsson, Robinson, Greening, Borja Valero (Bednar,86), Kim (Filipe Teixeira,57), Brunt, Koren, Miller.

Champions Outclass Poor Potters

Manchester United 5-0 Stoke City

United gave a ruthless reminder of why they are the current Premier League champions with a high quality performance that the Potters simply had no answer too.

Stoke found themselves chasing the game early on, as any hopes of a repeat of our heroic clean sheet at Anfield earlier in the season, were washed away by a trademark Christiano Ronaldo free kick. A silly foul by Amdy Faye on Carlos Tevez lead to the Portugese winger slamming a swerving free kick past Thomas Sorensen in only the third minute.

A long afternoon could have been in prospect but the Potters battled on and and at times had chances to bring the game level. The closest they came was from a Rory Delap long throw which saw John O'Shea back header towards his own goal only for Edwin Van Der Sar to claw the ball away. Salif Diao then wasted a futher opportunity for the Potters when he blazed over from the edge of the box when well positioned.

Going into the interval at only one down would have given the superb travelling support optamism that Stoke could still get something from the game. But any chance of this was extinguised when Michael Carrick was allowed too much space on the edge of the box and chrisply fired past Sorensen to double United's advantage.

Moments into the second half it got worse for the Potters when futher poor defending saw £30 million striker Dimitar Berbatov turn the ball home from around six yards. Game over.

Stoke's minimal attacking threat had dried up completly as they were forced to deal with a barrage of attack from United and only some last ditch defending from in particular Abdoulaye Faye kept the score at 3-0 at this stage.


17 year old United substitute Danny Wellbeck then produced the goal of the game with a fantastic strike into the top corner, from well outside the area, that saw the helpless Sorensen with no chance.

Further punishment followed when Ryan Shawcross fouled Carrick on the edge of the box, which lead to Ronaldo scoring his second of the game with anoter well struck free kick that wrong footed Sorensen to complete a misrable afternoon for the Danish keeper.

Stoke could have no complaints about the scoreline as they were throughly outclassed by simply a much better team. Despite the scoreline however the Potters should not be too down hearted, so called better teams than Stoke have gone to Old Trafford and got a pasting in the past, and it's not results against the likes of Manchester United away that are going to be crucial in the fight for survival.

Man of the Match - Danny Higginbotham - Held his own when facing Ronaldo and got provided Stoke with rare attacking forays down the left side.

Attendance - 75,369

Man Utd: Van der Sar, O'Shea, Vidic, Evans, Evra, Ronaldo, Carrick, Fletcher (Gibson,63), Park (Welbeck,63), Tevez (Manucho,74), Berbatov.

Stoke: Sorensen, Griffin (Wilkinson,79), Abdoulaye Faye, Shawcross, Higginbotham, Olofinjana (Cresswell,31), Diao, Amdy Faye, Delap, Fuller (Kitson,68), Sidibe.

City Cruise Into Carling Cup Quarter Finals

Stoke City 2-0 Rotherham United

The Potters booked their place in the quarter finals of the League Cup with a comfortable victory over a brave Rotherham side.
Boss Tony Pulis made a number of changes to the team that drew 0-0 at Wigan on Saturday, but even an under strength side proved too much for Stoke's League 2 opponants.

Stoke should have been ahead inside the first ten minutes when the re-called Dave Kitson played in Vincent Pericard, only for the striker to blaze way over when one on one with keeper Andy Warrington. With Stoke's record against lower league opposition in this competition it was misses like this that could have had fans feeling nervous.

But any nerves were to be settled in the 19th minute. Referee Mark Halsey awarded a dubious free kick to Stoke for a high challenge on Glenn Whelan, and it was the Republic of Ireland international who picked himself up to flight home a delightful free kick into the bottom corner leaving Warrington no chance.

In all fairness it was all the Potters deserved after a lively start. As the game wore on you could almost sense, if needed, Stoke had another gear, but were dealing comfortably with all that was thrown at them by the Millers.
Richard Cresswell was unlucky not to double the advantage just before the break when a swiverling shot from just inside the box was superbly tipped onto the post by Warrington and cleared by the Rotherham defence.

The Millers came out fighting in the second half and only a smart reaction save from Steve Simonsen prevented them from drawing level. A deep cross from the left found striker Reuben Reid who saw his half volley from close range expertly tipped away by Simonsen.


But moments later the tie was effectivly over when the impressive Kitson combined with Danny Pugh on the edge of the box, with Pugh sliding the ball past the on rushing keeper. Pugh treated the crowd to a backward summersault celebration as he marked what was his first goal for the Potters in style.

Stoke, and in particular Dave Kitson was unfortunate not to add to the scoreline late on. The luckless striker was denied that elusive first goal for the club when he turned home a rebound, following a Cresswell effert, only to see the goal ruled out for offside.

A good effert from the visitors made the game reasonably entertaining for the 15,000 strong crowd, but the Potters proved far too strong in the end and were very worthy of their quarter final place as the League Cup adventure continued.

Man of the Match - Dave Kitson - Top draw effert that only lacked that crucial first goal

Attendance - 15,458

Stoke: Simonsen, Wilkinson, Cort, Shawcross, Dickinson, Pugh, Whelan, Olofinjana (Amdy Faye,58), Cresswell, Kitson, Pericard (Fuller,73)

Rotherham: Warrington, Mills, Sharps, Fenton, Nicholas, Rhodes, Danny Harrison (Taylor,70), Cummins, Tonge, Broughton (Yates,88), Reid

Plucky Potters Bag Point With Bore Draw

Wigan Athletic 0-0 Stoke City

IT was never going to be a classic, but Stoke picked up their second away point of the season after a largly forgettable 0-0 draw against Wigan at the JJB Stadium.

The Potters lined up with the same eleven that memorably beat Arsenal last weekend and a made a bright start forcing several early throw ins that predictably caused problems for the Wigan defence.

But it was the home side who applied the most early pressure with Jason Koumas swinging over several early crosses and firing a 25 yard free kick well over, before Antonio Valencia tested Thomas Sorensen with a low shot through the crowd from the edge of the area in an uneventful first half.

Arsene Wenger's comments about Stoke being an over physical side may have had an effect on referee Mike Riley who never missed an opportunity to penalise the Potters and was quick to pull out the yellow card when Ryan Shawcross fouled England striker Emile Heskey. However, when Heskey's strike partner Amr Zaki took a clear dive when Shawcross went in for a challenge on the Egyptian moments later, Riley decided against a booking despite acknowleging that Zaki had dived.

The much hyped Zaki was having a quiet afternoon as Shawcross and Abdoulaye Faye coped well with the duel threat of Heskey and Zaki, whilst Ricardo Fuller was also having a reasonably quiet afternoon as somewhat suprisingly Titus Bramble neutralised the threat from the Jamaican with relative ease.

In the second half Stoke began to sit back and invite pressure, and particularly so when Mamady Sidibe was forced off injured early on. Heskey came close with a header that flashed wide before he himself was forced off replaced by Henri Camara, the man who so nearly joined the Potters on deadline day.

With only a tame Ryan Shawcross header that was easily saved by Chris Kirkland to get exited about, Stoke's attack had seemingly dried up and sloppy passing in the midfield led to a barrage of attacks from Wigan. The Potters were thankful for the excellent Sorensen and some poor Wigan finishing for keeping the score at 0-0. Zaki headed over from six yards, before Sorensen made one particulary impressive double save first saving with his feet from Wilson Palacios and then claiming Titus Bramble's follow up shot as Stoke held on.


The Potters then needed a goal line clearence from the impressive Shawcross who diverted Mario Melchiot's header away from goal with Sorensen beaten. Stoke won several corners in the final minutes, but they were comfortably dealt with by the Wigan defence as the game petered out into a drab 0-0 draw.

Man of the Match - Thomas Sorensen - Kept Stoke in the game with several crucial saves to earn a well deserved clean sheet.

Attendance - 15,881

Wigan: Kirkland, Melchiot, Boyce, Bramble, Figueroa, Valencia, Palacios, Cattermole, Koumas, Heskey (Camara,57), Zaki.

Stoke: Sorensen, Griffin, Abdoulaye Faye, Shawcross, Higginbotham, Diao, Olofinjana (Whelan,86), Amdy Faye (Cresswell,84), Delap, Fuller, Sidibe (Kitson,47).

Wenger Boys Thrown Out By Sublime City

Stoke City 2-1 Arsenal

QUITE SIMPLY an incredible day to be a Stoke City fan, as the Potters were deserved winners against an Arsenal side who looked anything but a top four outfit, after they became to latest team to fall by the sword that is Rory Delap's long throw.

Stoke made one change to the side that beat Sunderland 1-0 in mid-week with Amdy Faye coming in to replace the rested Tom Soares, with Seyi Olofinjana moving out onto the right side of midfield. Arsene Wenger meanwhile left star players Theo Walcott and Robin Van Persie on the bench and introduced the more physical presence of Nicolas Bendtner, Abou Diaby and Alexandre Song to the side.

The Potters started the brighter and immediatly asserted their authority on their opponents by closing them down quick enough to prevent being opened up by Arsenal's free-flowing brand of football.

On 12 minutes Ricardo Fuller forced Gael Clichy into putting the ball out for a throw, in Rory Delap teritory. The Arsenal defence knew what was coming but were slow to react allowing Fuller to nip in ahead of Kolo Toure and nod past a stranded Manuel Almunia to send the Britannia into raptures. Stoke fans could be forgiven for pinching themselves as the scoreboard read Stoke City 1-0 Arsenal.


It almost got even better moments later when a bout of penalty box pin ball lead to Delap looping a header towards goal only to see the retreating Clichy turn the ball away from goal and out for a corner. The Potters had the Gunners well and truely on the ropes.

Arsenal tried to respond but for all their speed and accuracy of passing they couldnt get behind a solid Stoke defence and were reduced to long range efferts that failed to trouble Thomas Sorensen. The closest they came to an equaliser before half-time was a snap shot from the edge of the box by Emmanuel Adebayor that was comfortably saved by Sorensen.

Following the interval the Gunners came out fired up and were almost level when Toure turned a flat near post Cesc Fabregas corner just over the bar. This was a let off for Stoke, and introduction of Theo Walcott would yet further test what had been a rock solid defence. But it was Stoke who were soon on the offensive when another Delap throw was scrambled away as far as Salif Diao who's volley from the edge of the box was well saved by Almunia.

But Stoke were not to be denied when yet another Delap launch was flicked on by Ryan Shawcross and bundled over the line by a falling Olofinjana, in front of a delirious Boothen End, as the Potters closed in on a momentous victory and yet another crucial three points in the fight for Premier League survival.

The afternoon soon got even better for Stoke and even worse for their stunned visitors when referee Rob Styles made up some what for his past discrepancies when he sent off substitute Van Persie for a needless barge on Sorensen as the Dane ran down the clock in his area.

As the game moved into injury time Arsenal ensured a nervy finish when a double deflected stike from Clichy found the bottom corner from the edge of the area, following a short Fabregas free kick.


But it was Stoke who held out for a fabulous victory over our old enemy to move further away from the drop zone and once again prove the doubters wrong that we can not only compete, but also win against the bigger teams in the Premier League. The Potters are certainly showing at the momment that they are here to stay.

Man of the Match - Mamady Sidibe - Yet another outstanding performance from big Mama. Imposed himself and quite frankly dominated Silvestre and Toure at times and as ever produced fantastic link up play with Fuller.

Attendance - 26,704

Stoke City:- Sorensen, Griffin, Abdoulaye Faye, Shawcross, Higginbotham, Olofinjana, Diao (Whelan,78), Amdy Faye, Delap, Sidibe (Kitson,90), Fuller (Cresswell,86)

Arsenal:- Almunia, Sagna (Walcott,57), Toure, Silvestre, Clichy, Denilson (Van Persie,65), Fabregas, Song, Diaby, Bendtner, Adebayor (Vela,72)

Ricardo Rises To Shoot Down Mackams

Stoke City 1-0 Sunderland

RICARDO FULLER headed home a trademark Rory Delap long throw in the 76th minute as the Potters earned a thoroughly deserved win against a poor Sunderland side, to lift themselves out of the relegation zone and into double figures for the season.

On a freezing cold night at the Britannia, Stoke lined up with the same eleven that were beaten by Manchester City on Sunday and quickly set about the visiting defence forcing several throw ins early on. Fuller was unlucky not to open the scoring when Mamady Sidibe flicked Delap's launch into the box into his path, only for Anton Ferdinand to block the effort on the line with the keeper beaten.

Seyi Olofinjana then tested Stoke reject Marton Fulop with a stinging drive from the edge of the box, but the Hungarian keeper made a good save down low to his right.

Sunderland's frontline of Cisse and Diouf, which had caused so many problems to north east neighbours Newcastle on Saturday, were finding it tough to break down Stoke's solid defence, with Ryan Shawcross looking particuarly comfortable alongside the ever impressive Abdoulaye Faye.

Stoke had every reason to feel hard done by at not being in the lead by half time, and started the second half where they left off in the first, with more aerial bombardment from Delap causing the increasingy panicky Sunderland defence problems, whilst Fuller's trickery on the ground was also proving a threat.

It was a Fuller run which almost lead to the opener on the hour when his shot was deflected across goal by Phil Bardsley only for the ball to trickle wide with the unfortunate Sidibe agonisingly close to turning it home.

Just when you thought it wasnt going to be Stoke's night, substitute Michael Tonge forced Ferdinand into yet another panicky clearance out for a throw. Delap produced his best throw of the night as Fuller beat Dean Whitehead to the ball and power it past the static Fulop. It was the least than the Jamaican magician deserved for all his recent efferts.

The goal predictably forced Sunderland into action and substitute Kenwyne Jones had their best chance of the night five minutes from time when he shot across goal, only to see Thomas Sorensen prove once again just how important he may well be towards out eventual success this season, when he produced a supurb save down low to his right.


Stoke were able to comfortably see out the remaining time and secure another crucial home win. This win takes a little bit of pressure off the Potters ahead of the clash with Arsenal at the weekend, and provides the chance to have a real go at Arsene Weneger's men who may well still be reeling following the dramatic events against Tottenham.

Man of the Match - Salif Diao - Produced the kind of performance we were used to 2 years ago, broke up everything in the middle and seems to have recaptured his eye for a pass.

Attendance - 26,731

Stoke City:- Sorensen, Griffin, Abdoulaye Faye, Shawcross, Higginbotham, Soares (Tonge,69), Olofinjana (Amdy Faye,87), Diao, Delap, Sidibe, Fuller (Kitson,90)

Sunderland:- Fulop, Bardsley, Ferdinand, Collins, McCartney, Malbranque (Reid,75), Whitehead, Yorke (Jones,45), Richardson, Diouf, Cisse (Chopra,62)

Super City Leave Ramos On The Brink

STOKE CITY 2-1 TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

JUANDE RAMOS was left clinging his job after a hard working Stoke display saw them claim a vital second victory of the season at the Britannia Stadium and open a gap between themselves and their under performing opponents

Even at this stage of the season you get six-pointers and this was certainly one of them, a must win given our recent dry spell of points, despite the at times encouraging performances.

The Potters started the game much brighter than their beleaguered opponents, who were facing the prospect of their worst start to a season in their history as well as being left adrift at the bottom of the table were they to lose. Spurs were never allowed to settle with the likes of Seyi Olofinjana and Salif Diao snapping into tackles in the middle of the park, whilst Mama Sidibe was proving to be a nuisance up front winning everything (as ever) in the air.

This should have lead to the opening goal within the first ten minutes, when Stoke, a side which can only play football in the air if you listen to some parts of the media, produced a flowing counter attack on the left involving Dave Kitson and Rory Delap, with the later providing home debutant Tom Soares with a chance to instantly make a name for himself, however he shot tamely across Gomes who made a reasonably comfortable save low to his right.

Spurs finally worked themselves some space and almost punished Stoke for their earlier miss when Luka Modric slid in Darren Bent who may well have scored had it not been for a superb block by the recalled Ibrahima Sonko.

Despite the earlier miss, Soares was providing a welcome addition of pace and creativity to a side which particularly when without Ricardo Fuller had been lacking in this department somewhat in recent weeks, and so it proved when the former Crystal Palace man was involved in an incident which exploded the game into life. A long ball forward saw Sidibe flick on to Kitson who immediately tried to release Soares coming in from the right. Welsh defender Gareth Bale was the last defender and made a mess of trying to bring the ball under control, allowing Soares to gain half a yard on him and head for goal, only for the left back to haul him down in a last ditch attempt to make up for his error.

Referee Probert immediately pointed to the spot and produced a red card for Bale. It was down to Danny Higginbotham to give the Potters the lead from the penalty spot, and despite having to re-spot the ball four times due to the strong winds around the stadium, he held his nerve and drove the ball into the bottom corner to send the crowd into raptures.

If ever a team were there for the taking it was surely Tottenham at this point, rock bottom in terms of league position and confidence and now down to ten men in a crucial game, many may have expected them to roll over.

However, much to the home crowd’s annoyance Stoke reverted to their old tactic of sitting off their opponents when ahead and allowed Spurs to get themselves back in the game.

Right-back Alan Hutton was allowed to get forward unchallenged and let fly with a strike from the edge of the box which found its way to Bent, via a deflection, who re-adjusted himself to fire through Sorensen’s legs and bring Spurs level.

It was a goal Stoke had brought on themselves, and were almost punished again when Sorensen was forced into a good save down low to his right following a strike from Jermaine Jenas.

Despite the man advantage it was Stoke who were the happier to hear the half-time whistle. After re-grouping they came out fired up for the second half, and quickly regained the advantage when the impressive Soares found Sidibe wide on the right. The big Malian produced a cross of high quality which found its way to Delap at the far post to prod home and once again give the Potter the lead.

From then on there was only ever going to be one winner as Spurs struggled to get back into the game and the introduction of Ricardo Fuller from the bench for the ineffective Kitson, gave Stoke a new dimension to their game.

Stoke won a series of throw ins which Delap, in trademark style, launched into the box giving keeper Gomes , already struggling with injury, more problems as Stoke threatened to extend their lead.

Against the run of play Tottenham should have equalised when a slip by Sonko on the edge of the box provided Modric a free pop at goal, but the far from impressive Croatian international fired well over.

You could argue Spurs were fortunate not to be reduced to nine men moments later when Hutton challenged Sorensen and appeared to leave his foot in the challenge which left the Danish keeper with a nasty cut above his eye, forcing Stoke into a change with Steve Simonsen making his second successive appearance in the first team.

A long stoppage followed when Spurs defender Vedran Corluka suffered what looked like a nasty injured when he was knocked unconscious after being clattered by his own keeper. Thankfully Corluka regained consciousness whilst on the way to hospital.

The now desperate Spurs threw on Russian striker Roman Pavlyuchenko in an attempt to get back into the game and would have been encouraged by the forth official signalling for eleven minutes of stoppage time as a result of the injuries to Sorensen and Corluka.

Stoke’s defence looked comfortable with everything Tottenham threw at them, Andy Griffin controlled the threat of the dangerous Aaron Lennon whilst Abdoulaye Faye produced yet another faultless display in the heart of the defence.

Despite being ahead it was Stoke who were doing all the attacking and should have wrapped things up when Soares missed a further chance for a deserved goal when he blazed over when well placed in the box. Soares’ trickery had caused the Spurs defence problems all afternoon, and after nut megging Didier Zokora, Jonathan Woodgate bundled over the youngster to concede another penalty and give Ricardo Fuller the chance to finish Spurs off.

Incredibly Fuller’s penalty struck both posts before Delap crashed the rebound against the bar as Tottenham clung to a hope of salvaging something from the game.

Spurs’ afternoon went from bad to worse when substitute Michael Dawson saw red for a high challenge on Sidibe, before Fuller missed the chance to rub further salt into the wound when he smashed a shot against the bar following a mazy run through Tottenham’s depleted defence.

All in all a deserved win for Stoke, and a vital one not just in terms of the league position, but more so that the victory restores a sense of belief that the Potters can be competitive and pick up the points needed for survival. This was far from a perfect performance but its games like this that the result is so much more important.

Man of the Match – Tom Soares - Added a spark to Stoke’s play and deserved a goal for his efforts.

Attendance – 27,500