Wednesday, November 29, 2006

Happy Mama Helps See Off Cardiff : Stoke City 3 Cardiff City 0

There can be no doubt that Mama Sidibe puts everything into his game, every time he pulls on a Stoke City shirt. He may not be the most elegant of players, but he is a seriously awkward customer to handle, physically challenging to opposing players. As a striker he is unlikely to be a prolific scorer of goals. One moment he is apparently clumsy, the next he shoots off at speed toward the opposition goal with the ball under control. He holds the ball up well.His' flickons' often deserve a better fate. Certainly he wins a high proportion of the balls that come his way in the air, despite the close attention of opposing defenders. There is also little question that he has been getting better as this season has progressed : some extra little tricks to beat defenders in tight situations, some effective layoffs, and one- twos. He never seems to stop working up and down the pitch.

Last night's match again showed that he can alternately frustrate and then delight the fans. In the first half he completely failed to make contact with a superb cross from the right, when a sound connection could well have brought him a goal.Disappointment! But at the end of Stoke's second half purple patch, prompted by Fuller's unselfish pass, he shot confidently into the net from the edge of the box for Stoke's third goal. Joy!His enjoyment was evident to everyone at the ground. A very happy man indeed. Certainly his team mates were thrilled for him-their reaction making it clear that they recognise what he brings to the team.

Liam Lawrence looks to be another very shrewd acquisition.He provided the pass for Ricardo Fuller's opening goal, then went on to get the second goal himself following a Lee Hendrie corner. His first goal for Stoke capped another all action game, covering - as the cliche would have it - every blade of grass at the Brit.

Cardiff are a good side...they were simply swept aside by Stoke on the night. At the moment it is a real pleasure to be a Stoke fan....long may it continue!!

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