PULIS’ SUBSTITUTION SHEER GENIUS

WEST BROMWICH ALBION 0 STOKE CITY FC 1

WBA really are footballing rabbits.....Stoke were second best for a good part of this game, and yet won.As the game moved inexorably toward a 0-0 stalemate  wizard Pulis played his ace card substituting  on resolute defender Ryan Shotton for incisive attacker Etherington.

Young Shotton marauded up front, caused doubt (if not struck fear)in the minds of the WBA rearguard.Keeper ex-Stokie Ben Foster contrived to present Shotton with an opportunity he could not refuse, allowing the ball to be taken from him, to be pushed into the net in the 90^th minute for a winner that had looked most unlikely.

Super sub Shotton has now won two games for us in short order, this one for 3 precious Premiership points and a first win of the season,the other through pressure causing a winning og out in Croatia in the Europa Cup.

DE LAET TAKES A POINT FOR THE CANARIES

NORWICH CITY 1 STOKE CITY FC 1

Stoke came away from Carrow Road with a well deserved point,and should probably have taken all three.Stoke conceded a sloppy goal before halftime.A ball in from the right was headed home by Stoke old boy,Richie de Laet. 

A managerial flea in the ear produced a much more direct approach from Stoke.On 60 minutes Walters was felled on the edge of the area by Barnett.The Ipswich defender was sent off,but Walters taking the penalty kick himself,failed to convert.Stoke maintained pressure on a Norwich side that visibly wilted.

Ryan Shotton on for Woodgate injected life into the right side,linking well with Etherington,who had switched sides when Pennant left the field with a calf problem.Shotton almost produced a goal with a cross cum shot,which was pawed away by Ruddy in goal.He contributed two Delapesque throwins,one of which produced a real threat.

Three minutes into added on time Whelan produced a quality cross from the right,which Kenwyne Jones headed down wonderfully into the bottom right corner of the home goal for a well deserved equaliser.

STOKE LIVING WITH THE BIG BOYS

STOKE CITY FC 0 CHELSEA 0

There was a time when Stoke would probably have lost this match.For a 20 minute period in the second half today they could well have done.Etherington and Delap had left the field injured,Chelsea brought on important subs,Anelka,Drogba,and Benayoun,and increased the pace and intensity of their game.Stoke wobbled but did not capitulate,anchored as they were by Captain Ryan Shawcross,and the immaculate and experienced positional play of Jonathan Woodgate.Able assistance was rendered by Huth,Wilson,but above all Begovic in goal who had a storming game.

The first half was Stoke's.No longer do we sit back,rather we take the game to the visitors,illustrious or not.We did not score ,but not for lack of attacking intent.Walters, Jones,Etherington,and Pennant conducted a stiff examination of the visiting back four.Alex in particular looked uncomfortable when faced with the considerable physical challenge of Kenwynne Jones.Goalie Cech had to be on his toes a number of times,faced with a series of corners, freekicks, and Rory Delap throw ins as Stoke exerted concerted pressure.

The second half belonged to Chelsea as Stoke's effort flagged.The visitors had chances,but could not convert them into goals.Stoke attacked occasionally,but for the most part had to focus on containment.

A hard earned and well deserved point,from the first of three difficult home matches.