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.

Hull City (H) Preview

Phil Brown brings his Hull City side the Britannia this weekend looking to end a run of five games without a win. That stat does not do the Tigers justice however, having made a sensational start to season, following promotion, with significant away wins against the likes of Tottenham, Newcastle and most impresivly of all Arsenal. The Potters will know they will be in for a tough game against a side who sit 6th in the table following last weeks 2-2 draw at Fratton Park against Portsmouth.


Stoke Team News:- The Potters welcome back striker Ricardo Fuller who missed last weeks win over West Brom through suspension. Dave Kitson and Ryan Shawcross face late fitness tests on injuries they picked up in last week's win, whilst cpatain Andy Griffin should start despite a fracture in his left hand.

Hull Team News:- Defenders Bernard Mendy and Andy Dawson are likely to miss the game with injuries but the Tigers do have Wayne Brown available for selection again. Caleb Folan may feature despite missing training with an injury.



Probable Teams:
Stoke:- Sorensen, Griffin, Abdoulaye Faye, Cort, Higginbotham, Soares, Diao, Amdy Faye, Delap, Fuller, Sidibe
Hull:- Myhill, McShane, Ricketts, Zayette, Turner, Boateng, Ashbee, Marney, Geovanni, Cousin, King

Last Hull Visit To The Britannia

Stoke City 1-1 Hull City (01-01-2008)

With Stoke missing Ricardo Fuller and Hull missing on loan Frazier Campbell this was never going be a game of many goals. The Potters took a first half lead when Leon Cort headed in against his former club from a Rory Delap throw, but Caleb Folan rescued a point for the Tigers with a second half header, as both sides settled for a point in what was destined to be a Premier League promotion winning season for both clubs.

Free Coach Travel For Blackburn Clash

Stoke City have today announced that any supporter who purchases a ticket for the game with Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park next month will be given a free coach ticket to the game if required.
This fantastic gesture from the club as well as the recent suspension of the away cards provides us fans with a chance to take bring back the good old days and take a massive following up to Lancashire, with 7000 tickets available, for what must be described as a very winable away game.
In the present financial climate and being so close to Christmas the club can not be praised highly enough for this decision.
Well Done Stoke City

"West Brom.. We Always Beat West Brom"

Saturday's latest victory over our West Midlands rivals continued our incredible run against the Baggies in recent years. It's now been 26 years since West Brom won at Stoke, and have only won once against the Potters in the last 24 league matches between the two clubs. We look back at some of the more memorable wins against the Baggies.


Stoke City 4-3 West Brom (19-9-1992)
An absolute classic at the old Victoria Ground as Stoke come back from 3-1 down to win 4-3 with a late Ian Cranson header.

West Brom 1-2 Stoke City (23-1-1993)
8000 Stokies packed into the away end at the Hawthornes as a double from the great Mark Stein saw the Potters do the double over our promotion rivals on the way to the title.

Stoke City 2-1 West Brom (4-5-1997)
The last ever league game at the Vic saw a fitting end with another win over the Baggies. Gerry McMahon and Graham Kavanagh scored the goals for Stoke but it was West Brom striker Andy Hunt who had the honour of scoring the last ever league goal at the famous old ground.

Stoke City 4-1 West Brom (4-5-2004)
Already promoted West Brom arrived in Stoke for a re-arranged game after high winds caused what is still the only postponment at the Britannia Stadium to date. Having acheived a rare win over the Potters at the Hawthornes earlier in the season, West Brom were confident of ending the hoodoo but were sent packing with goals from Darel Russell, Gifton Noel-Williams and two from the impressive Kris Commons in the driving Britannia rain.

West Brom 1-3 Stoke City (7-4-2007)
Needing a win to stay in the hunt for the play-offs Stoke destroyed the Baggies with a breath taking first half display. Goals from the untouchable Ricardo Fuller, on-loan John Parkin and an own goal from Jonathan Greening gave Stoke a 3-0 lead after only 22 minutes.

Stoke City 3-1 West Brom (22-12-2007)
The table-topping Baggies had no answer again to Ricardo Fuller who produced arguably his finest moment in the red and white with a stunning hat-trick. A magical individual effert for the third, a particular highlight of a memorable win.

Stoke City 10-3 West Brom (4-2-1937)
We were even beating the Baggies on black and white television, this result remains Stoke City's biggest ever victory in a competative game.

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.

Home Draw In The Quarter Finals

The Potters have been drawn at home to Championship side Derby County in the Carling Cup with the game taking place on Tuesday 2nd December kick off 7.45.
Stoke beat Rotherham in Round 4 with a comfortable 2-0 win at the Britannia whilst the Rams saw off Leeds United 2-1 at Pride Park to reach the last eight.
This on the face of it seems a terrific draw for Stoke who must now fancy their chances of a place in the semi-final, and potentially one step away from a trip to Wembley in a major cup competition.