Monday, December 30, 2019
Narrow Defeat ...Fulham 1 Stoke City FC 0
Not much difference between the bottom and the top of the Championship.Poorish first half from The Potters,much improved second half toward the end of which we might have salvaged a point.
But it was not to be....London is still a poor hunting ground for us.Shawcross effectively shackled their leading scorer Mitrovic, but Fulham went in front on 26 minutes through Decordova-Reid who tapped home when Jack Butland could only parry a Knockaert ball across the face of his goal.
The home side had further excellent chances but Butland was equal to all challenges making some fine saves.
Toward the end of the second half Stoke came more into the game and could have snatched a deserved point,Baath heading wide and keeper Rodak coping with a strong McClean volley.The impression that Fulham were hanging on in the end was confirmed when Rodak was booked for time wasting.
Apart from losing the worst element of this game was the sight at the end of Ryan Shawcross hobbling around with a calf injury,which looks pretty certain to keep him out of the Huddersfield game.
But it was not to be....London is still a poor hunting ground for us.Shawcross effectively shackled their leading scorer Mitrovic, but Fulham went in front on 26 minutes through Decordova-Reid who tapped home when Jack Butland could only parry a Knockaert ball across the face of his goal.
The home side had further excellent chances but Butland was equal to all challenges making some fine saves.
Toward the end of the second half Stoke came more into the game and could have snatched a deserved point,Baath heading wide and keeper Rodak coping with a strong McClean volley.The impression that Fulham were hanging on in the end was confirmed when Rodak was booked for time wasting.
Apart from losing the worst element of this game was the sight at the end of Ryan Shawcross hobbling around with a calf injury,which looks pretty certain to keep him out of the Huddersfield game.
Sunday, December 29, 2019
Friday, December 27, 2019
Thursday, December 26, 2019
Stoke City FC Matchday............Season Ticket Holder Dedication Test....To Go or Not To Go?
STOKE propping up the Championship table........half way through the season....
Sheffield Wednesday are our visitors, playing well under Gary Monk, third in the table.
Boxing Day = Family
Stokie Weather = Cloudy, little light rain, 7 degrees (Not bad considering some of the weather we have had to contend with this season.)
Travel = 3/4 hour each way given a clearish run on the road. (Nothing compared with distances covered by heroic long distance ST holders !)
Match facts
Stoke are winless in seven league games against Sheffield Wednesday (D4 L3) since a victory back in November 2005.
Sheffield Wednesday haven't completed a league double over Stoke since the 1952-53 campaign.
This is Stoke's first home league match on Boxing Day since 2015, when they won 2-0 against Manchester United in the Premier League.
Sheffield Wednesday have won their last five league matches on Boxing Day, and haven't conceded a goal in any of their last seven matches played on that day.
Stoke have won only once in their last six Championship matches (W1 D1 L4), losing last time out, despite taking the lead vs Middlesbrough.
Sheffield Wednesday's Barry Bannan was the match-winner for the Owls last time out, netting from the spot vs Bristol City - he hasn't scored in consecutive league games since April.
(BBC Sport)
What to do???
Sheffield Wednesday are our visitors, playing well under Gary Monk, third in the table.
Boxing Day = Family
Stokie Weather = Cloudy, little light rain, 7 degrees (Not bad considering some of the weather we have had to contend with this season.)
Travel = 3/4 hour each way given a clearish run on the road. (Nothing compared with distances covered by heroic long distance ST holders !)
Match facts
Stoke are winless in seven league games against Sheffield Wednesday (D4 L3) since a victory back in November 2005.
Sheffield Wednesday haven't completed a league double over Stoke since the 1952-53 campaign.
This is Stoke's first home league match on Boxing Day since 2015, when they won 2-0 against Manchester United in the Premier League.
Sheffield Wednesday have won their last five league matches on Boxing Day, and haven't conceded a goal in any of their last seven matches played on that day.
Stoke have won only once in their last six Championship matches (W1 D1 L4), losing last time out, despite taking the lead vs Middlesbrough.
Sheffield Wednesday's Barry Bannan was the match-winner for the Owls last time out, netting from the spot vs Bristol City - he hasn't scored in consecutive league games since April.
(BBC Sport)
What to do???
Saturday, December 21, 2019
More of the Same....Middlesbrough 2 Stoke City 1
Again The Potters contrive to lose a game they should have won.Overall they had the best of the first half (without really threatening to score) against a makeshift home outfit.
Second half and Clucas came up with another goal, to put us ahead, following good work by Gregory having been set free by a long ball down the right.
The home team had not won any game this season where it went behind.But this is Stoke....Within 4 minutes 'Boro equalised with Stoke's back four waiting for an offside flag that never came. Shortly after Clucas was felled in the home penalty area,but no penalty awarded,just a yellow card for supposedly faking it all.Poor decision,which once again seemed to knock the stuffing out of our fragile team.
Momentum was with 'Boro. They escaped Stoke's high press,advanced on a retreating defence,with Wing scoring a fine winner from distance.No chance for Butland to save.
You knew we were not coming back from that
Second half and Clucas came up with another goal, to put us ahead, following good work by Gregory having been set free by a long ball down the right.
The home team had not won any game this season where it went behind.But this is Stoke....Within 4 minutes 'Boro equalised with Stoke's back four waiting for an offside flag that never came. Shortly after Clucas was felled in the home penalty area,but no penalty awarded,just a yellow card for supposedly faking it all.Poor decision,which once again seemed to knock the stuffing out of our fragile team.
Momentum was with 'Boro. They escaped Stoke's high press,advanced on a retreating defence,with Wing scoring a fine winner from distance.No chance for Butland to save.
You knew we were not coming back from that
Sunday, December 15, 2019
Nothing To See Here.........Stoke City 0 Reading 0
Cold and getting colder as the two teams played out an uninspiring goalless draw.Neither keeper had a meaningful save to make,What shots there were were well off target.My feeling was that Ince had a good few of our efforts,but threatening he was not.
We pressed the visitors, but did not win as much clean ball as against Luton.Allen got about the pitch but could not lift his teammates.Star attraction was again Cousins,who had a solid game,which earned him Man of the Match.
Lindsay and Batth were sound at the heart of the defence,well supported by Ward on the left.An off colour Edwards was replaced by Smith at halftime.
It is clear again that we lack a frontman who can focus our attacking efforts. Sadly Vokes is not the man for the job, making,as he did, little impression on Reading yesterday.
Still a point is a point,and for us consecutive clean sheets are not to be sniffed at.
PS Charlie Adam has not shed any weight since he left us, but he still picks and plays a very good pass.
We pressed the visitors, but did not win as much clean ball as against Luton.Allen got about the pitch but could not lift his teammates.Star attraction was again Cousins,who had a solid game,which earned him Man of the Match.
Lindsay and Batth were sound at the heart of the defence,well supported by Ward on the left.An off colour Edwards was replaced by Smith at halftime.
It is clear again that we lack a frontman who can focus our attacking efforts. Sadly Vokes is not the man for the job, making,as he did, little impression on Reading yesterday.
Still a point is a point,and for us consecutive clean sheets are not to be sniffed at.
PS Charlie Adam has not shed any weight since he left us, but he still picks and plays a very good pass.
Friday, December 13, 2019
Thursday, December 12, 2019
Wednesday, December 11, 2019
Much Better....Stoke City 3 Luton Town 0
Overall an improved performance,albeit against a poor Luton side.For the better part of the game our players showed greater energy and increased effort, pressing the visitors back toward their own goal. We forced mistakes,and took our goal chances well when they occured
James McClean had another fine game,scoring a goal himself,and crossing the ball for Allen's headed first goal, just before halftime. Allen's second goal wrapped things up shortly after the break.
leannebagnall.photography
Liam Lindsay had a steadier game than on his previous outings.Jordan Cousins looked like the player that Nathan Jones told us he was.Getting about the pitch to good effect in an anchor role,putting in accurate telling passes to both wings.On the few occasions that he was called upon Jack Butland looked more like his old self.Unfortunately Ryan Shawcross's return from injury was shortlived.
A good win, with perhaps a stiffer test to come on Saturday against Reading.
James McClean had another fine game,scoring a goal himself,and crossing the ball for Allen's headed first goal, just before halftime. Allen's second goal wrapped things up shortly after the break.
Liam Lindsay had a steadier game than on his previous outings.Jordan Cousins looked like the player that Nathan Jones told us he was.Getting about the pitch to good effect in an anchor role,putting in accurate telling passes to both wings.On the few occasions that he was called upon Jack Butland looked more like his old self.Unfortunately Ryan Shawcross's return from injury was shortlived.
A good win, with perhaps a stiffer test to come on Saturday against Reading.
Monday, December 09, 2019
Sunday, December 08, 2019
What To Do Next?
Michael O'Neill,I'm sure, now realises that he is on a hiding to nothing with this job. Relegation seems a distinct possibility with this squad.
At the moment, even though he inspires a promising start to a game, he witnesses his team folding as real pressure comes on it from the opposition.In for training today-according to some sources- could address perceived problem areas,but I doubt that it can instill the necessary fight and determination to see a game through to a successful conclusion.
We shall see on Tuesday night,and next Saturday. Luton are no great shakes,Reading somewhat better.A couple of wins is vital, but I suspect fans would be more than happy to take four points from the two games. Luton looks the likeliest win. Reading ,like Hull, have a striker in form.Yesterday it was Bowen who did for us,come Saturday it could be Romanian George Puscas who notched a five minute winning hat trick in Reading's last away match at Wigan.
I think it should go without saying that in both matches (however much we may feel the performance deserves it) as true fans we should hold back on any negative reactions to what we are seeing on the pitch.They can only be destructive of what little confidence the team has left!
Fingers very much crossed.
At the moment, even though he inspires a promising start to a game, he witnesses his team folding as real pressure comes on it from the opposition.In for training today-according to some sources- could address perceived problem areas,but I doubt that it can instill the necessary fight and determination to see a game through to a successful conclusion.
We shall see on Tuesday night,and next Saturday. Luton are no great shakes,Reading somewhat better.A couple of wins is vital, but I suspect fans would be more than happy to take four points from the two games. Luton looks the likeliest win. Reading ,like Hull, have a striker in form.Yesterday it was Bowen who did for us,come Saturday it could be Romanian George Puscas who notched a five minute winning hat trick in Reading's last away match at Wigan.
I think it should go without saying that in both matches (however much we may feel the performance deserves it) as true fans we should hold back on any negative reactions to what we are seeing on the pitch.They can only be destructive of what little confidence the team has left!
Fingers very much crossed.
Thursday, December 05, 2019
Sunday, December 01, 2019
Defeat Is Habit Forming....Stoke City 1 Blackburn Rovers 2
Apart from one or two isolated flurries of threatening activity from The Potters, whatever the stats might say,the first half belonged to the visitors.To fall behind to yet another early goal visibly deflated our players, and it took some time for them to get back into their stride ( if indeed they did before the break).
What was said at halftime, or what was reorganised, had a positive effect ,a bright start with a little more threat going forward.One or two moments of panic in the Blackburn defence, provided encouragement for us.As with the Wigan game the introduction of Mame Diouf proved to be a positive stimulus.Running with the ball,winning headers on,followed by almost scoring again,definitely unsettling the Blackburn rearguard. His near miss was followed not long after by our equaliser,a Dack og or Hogan netting from a goalmouth melee.
Blacburn upped their game and were ahead again four minutes later, a breakout down the right, ball played across to unmarked Gallagher , who stroked the ball home for the winner. Cue stadium begins to empty swiftly,A sad sight indeed.
What was said at halftime, or what was reorganised, had a positive effect ,a bright start with a little more threat going forward.One or two moments of panic in the Blackburn defence, provided encouragement for us.As with the Wigan game the introduction of Mame Diouf proved to be a positive stimulus.Running with the ball,winning headers on,followed by almost scoring again,definitely unsettling the Blackburn rearguard. His near miss was followed not long after by our equaliser,a Dack og or Hogan netting from a goalmouth melee.
Blacburn upped their game and were ahead again four minutes later, a breakout down the right, ball played across to unmarked Gallagher , who stroked the ball home for the winner. Cue stadium begins to empty swiftly,A sad sight indeed.
Wednesday, November 27, 2019
Tuesday, November 26, 2019
Cardiff City 1 Stoke City 0
Not much to shout about here,I’m afraid. Average to poor showings from both sides,with Cardiff managing the one decisive moment with Bacuna’s close range shot into the net at around 10 minutes, to top off some smart interpassing.
There was no lack of effort ,with some creativity, from The Potters, but for the most part little penetration into real danger areas.
No change in table position.Start again Saturday against Blackburn Rovers at the Bet365.
There was no lack of effort ,with some creativity, from The Potters, but for the most part little penetration into real danger areas.
No change in table position.Start again Saturday against Blackburn Rovers at the Bet365.
Monday, November 25, 2019
Stoke City's Mame Diouf On Cloud 19
Longest goal celebration in recorded history,culminating in a quick individual prayer session on the pitch.
Sunday, November 24, 2019
Stoke City 2 Wigan Athletic 1......Good Times Returning To Stoke?!
That felt something like the old Stoke,of the Huth's. Walters',Whelan's.Very much trying to be on the front foot,A lively start,which should have been marked with goals.No heads down when yet another mix up,this time between Butland and Edwards,giftedWigan a simple opening goal.
Instead we responded bravely with character,and,dare I say more confidently,than in the recent past.With the crowd very much onside we pressured our visitors,equalising early in the second half when Batth, in the six yard box,turned Woods' wicked free kick into the net.
Despite prompting from left wing McClean,we spent the next 40 minutes huffing and puffing but not scoring.Man of the Match McClean, with surging runs, provided at least five brilliant crosses into the goalmouth,all of them looking easy to convert, but the other forwards contrived in various ways to miss the chances created.
As the game drifted toward a draw we were not sure what to expect when Mame Biram Diouf came on as sub.A last throw of the dice,or an inspired move by our new manager?Deep into added on time we had the answer.
Inspired!Forgotten man Diouf was on hand in a goalmouth scramble to cooly place the ball into the net for the winner.His first goal since April 2018,and the trigger for a massive celebration.
So Michael O'Neill two games,two wins, six points....on goal difference not quite out of the bottom three in the table....but moving in the right direction at last.
More of the same at Cardiff on Tuesday night would be special
Saturday, November 23, 2019
Sunday, November 17, 2019
This Is Michael O'Neills Stoke City ....Soon
Watched the Northern Ireland v Holland match yesterday to see if it perhaps provided pointers for Stoke City's immediate future.In my view the N.Irish did very well indeed,against a talented Dutch side.
A creditable draw,and, who knows, with firmer refereeing of the Dutch antics around the penalty incident, it could have been 1-0 to NI.
What pointers for Stokies though?
1. The whole NI team showed great energy and commitment to the cause.
2. Great commitment and support to each other.
3. High pressing verging on harassment to win the ball back.
4. Not allowing their opposition to settle.
5.Very little sideways or backward passing.
6.Looking to go forward in numbers at every opportunity.
We can do it too.
What have I missed out? Why not let us all know what you think we can look forward to at STOKE CITY with this manager at the helm.
Monday, November 11, 2019
Stoke Ever Present Sam Clucas' Barnsley After Match.......
Two brilliant goals from Clucas but unfortunately picked up a foot injury and had to come off early.
Saturday, November 09, 2019
That's Better......Barnsley 2 Stoke city 4!
New manager bounce, leaving the diamond behind, playing a system the players we have can deliver with, and, well, scoring 4 goals in a single match ! Barnsley may not be very good, but we've said that about a few sides this season, and got beaten by them.
Hopefully this is a sign of things to come as we said after the Swansea and Fulham results. An occasional defensive frailty is still evident, but O'Neill's reputation has been in part down to solid organised defences. Expect big improvements there.
Brilliant start to a new chapter in Stoke's history. A Saturday night to look forward to for a change....enjoy it!
Hopefully this is a sign of things to come as we said after the Swansea and Fulham results. An occasional defensive frailty is still evident, but O'Neill's reputation has been in part down to solid organised defences. Expect big improvements there.
Brilliant start to a new chapter in Stoke's history. A Saturday night to look forward to for a change....enjoy it!
Friday, November 08, 2019
Thursday, November 07, 2019
Developments on the Managerial Front
Michael O'Neill, Northern Ireland team manager, could well be Nathan Jones successor as manager at Stoke City.
Rory Delap takes Barnsley pre-match conference.
Rory Delap looks to be in caretaker charge of the Barnsley match. The gist of it was that Stoke are indeed in a relegation struggle, the players mental fragility needs to be replaced with greater confidence and fight :that 14 matches will have to be won.
He reserved praise for the fans,always supportive,and travelling in numbers despite our current state.
I wish him luck,and the 2,400 travelling Stokies.A win would be such a tonic.
He reserved praise for the fans,always supportive,and travelling in numbers despite our current state.
I wish him luck,and the 2,400 travelling Stokies.A win would be such a tonic.
Tuesday, November 05, 2019
Stumble And Fall?
Apart from a brief period of brighter play just after the break ( and at the very end after the introduction of McClean), Stoke never looked likely to upset their visitors West Bromwich Albion,whose 2-0 victory took them to the top of the Championship table.
Stoke are now 6 points adrift of safety at the bottom.
The Bet 365 substantially emptied before the final whistle.
The sub standard performance deflated the crowd and caretaker manager Rory Delap.
If things carry on as they are relegation looks more and more likely.
Sunday, November 03, 2019
Stoke City Struggling / Staggering Toward The Future
Long time no write...guess its been something to do with apathy or disappointment.Had misgivings at the start of last season but crossed my fingers and hoped.
Since then we've seen Gary Rowett burdened with excessive expectation ( and inherited difficulties behind the scenes) anchor us in mid table,but within reach of the top six, before being shown the door, unfairly in my opinion.
He was replaced in the managerial hotseat by a very earnest well meaning fellow, Nathan Jones, seriously successful at Luton Town.Good fortune has not followed him to Stoke. Few wins have been recorded in his nine months at Stoke.There are Stokies who would dub him the world's unluckiest football manager. Much has already been spoken and written as to why that might be, I have no new insights to offer.
Suffice it to say, he leaves us currently hopelessly anchored at the bottom of the Championship table.
Our new manager has a difficult job ahead.Who will it be after the Alex Neil fiasco this weekend?
Here's wishing Rory Delap and the team success against WBA tomorrow night.
Since then we've seen Gary Rowett burdened with excessive expectation ( and inherited difficulties behind the scenes) anchor us in mid table,but within reach of the top six, before being shown the door, unfairly in my opinion.
He was replaced in the managerial hotseat by a very earnest well meaning fellow, Nathan Jones, seriously successful at Luton Town.Good fortune has not followed him to Stoke. Few wins have been recorded in his nine months at Stoke.There are Stokies who would dub him the world's unluckiest football manager. Much has already been spoken and written as to why that might be, I have no new insights to offer.
Suffice it to say, he leaves us currently hopelessly anchored at the bottom of the Championship table.
Our new manager has a difficult job ahead.Who will it be after the Alex Neil fiasco this weekend?
Here's wishing Rory Delap and the team success against WBA tomorrow night.
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