Rapport från Dave, vår man på plats
Här kommer en rapport + bilder från Dave som var på plats i lördags.
Aye up duck,
Fantastic weather, A fantastic win and a fantastic day.
After a leisurely cycle (Swedish style..eh?) from my house up to Wils I took the opportunity to check out the newly purchased 'surge barrier' that he bought off a bloke in Stoke. It originates from the Boothen end in the old Victoria ground. It goes well in his garden with a turnstile and two Butler Street wooden seats.
After meeting up with Pete & Charlotte we headed off to a pub that Pete recommended called "The Black Eagle" and it was spot on. Good Guinness & friendly locals.
The pub is also near to a Metro line and after a short tram journey consisting of 2 stops we were near enough right outside the away end.
A full allocation of Stokies were unable to purchase any beer once inside the stadium as WBA had announced prior to the match that no alcohol would be sold in the away end on the day....(That’s their loss).
Tony Pulis picked a strong looking team as Stoke looked to keep the amazing run that we have against West Brom.
Prior to these games I always feel that the run must come to an end at sometime and Saturday was no different.
That all changed though after Fullers early goal. It set the scene for a great atmosphere in the Stoke end which lasted the whole game and a little beyond.
Sorro.....Good handling all afternoon.
Wilko.....Had his hands full marking Brunt in he first half but coped well.
Higgy......Hand a hand in both of Stokes goals.
Ab Faye..Calmness personified...Pure class
Shawcross.....Good steady game. Dealt with what WBA had with no problems.
Lawrence........As Pulis would say "Worked aaaaaaaaarrrdddd"...Good effort.
Delap.............Seemed to enjoy playing centre midfield.
Whelan..........Good game. Nearly scored with that free kick.
Etherington.....Should of done better with a first half effort. His pace caused WBA problems.
Fuller.............Settled the nerves with that early goal. Was completely knackered before being substituted at the end.
B. T.........Took the second goal well with his so called weaker foot. What a signing he is proving to be.
Pugh............. On for Lawrence. Did well when he came on. Got himself into some good defensive positions. Really good squad player.
Cresswell.......Came on in Mamas absence for B.T.
Olly......On for Fuller at the death to secure the win.
Great scenes at the end. Ab faye ran straight up to the supporters. Lawrence, Higgy, Wilko & Sorro threw their shirts into the crowd.
By now all the WBA fans had gone home. I think that they must hate us more that their arch rivals Wolves.
At last an away win. COME ON STOKE...Nearly there. Nearly there.
.........Dave
