Wednesday, October 03, 2007

West Bromwich Albion 1 Stoke City FC 1

Baggies supporters who had conceded victory to their number 1 bogey team before this match began will no doubt be feeling mighty relieved. Baggies supporters who perhaps saw Sunday's 5 - 1 thrashing of QPR as a precursor to finally seeing off The Mighty Potters will no doubt be disappointed.The Potters team showed only one change from Saturday with Eustace replacing the injured Rory Delap,plus Vincent Pericard rejoining the bench after his enforced stay at Her Majesty's pleasure.

Stoke took the lead in this evening's clash with another headed goal from Ryan Shawcross in the 27th minute.Again Liam Lawrence provided the cross.They held the lead until the 73rd minute when failure to clear a free kick allowed Leon Barnett to put the home side back on terms.

As with Saturday's match at Leicester Stoke had 4 players booked,and lost Zakuani to injury.In their 9 matches so far Stoke have accumulated 19 bookings.By way of contrast WBA so far have only had 5 players booked.

Having dropped back to 10th position in the league overnight Stoke climb back to 7th spot.Former Stoke favourite Carl Hoefkens was replaced on 67 minutes,one of two substitutions made by Tony Mowbray to try and alter the course of the game.

This was billed by the Stoke Manager Tony Pulis as one of our most difficult matches of the season.A creditable draw then for a most resilient team that gives everything to the cause.To put the whole thing into context these were the first home points The Baggies have dropped this season,and only the second goal they have conceded at home.Well done Stoke !!!

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