Tuesday, February 09, 2010

POTTERS HAVE TO SETTLE FOR A POINT

WIGAN 1 STOKE CITY FC 1

Stoke made a slow start to the game.N'Zogbia's pace was a serious threat to the Potters.Scharner's headed opener came from a freekick after Etherington fouled the winger.

A defensive reshuffle by manager Tony Pulis began to turn things round,as Wilkinson was switched to man mark N'Zogbia.

If the first half belonged to the home side,the second increasingly belonged to Stoke.Keeper Thomas Sorensen kept his team in the match with a brilliant tip over from Rodalega's goal bound cross shot.From then on it was all Stoke as Wigan wilted under the increasing pressure.

Manager Pulis surprised everyone by bringing on Ricardo Fuller for Delap,to increase Stoke's attacking options. Etherington was once again central to all Stoke's best attacking work.Tuncay had had two easier chances to score,before he netted with a fine header from Etherington's cross in the 74th minute.

With Stoke looking the only side likely to win,Mama Sidibe unluckily saw a header strike the bar as he wheeled away thinking that he had scored.At the death sub James Beattie rifled a powerful on target shot,which brought a fine full length save from Kirkland.

Another point closer to safety for our team - it could well have been three.They are looking a compact confident outfit at the moment.

Seven games undefeated.....can they make it eight in the FA Cup against Manchester City at Eastlands on Saturday?

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