Rapport från Dave, vår man på plats
Dave, vår man på plats, är tillbaka. Här kommer hans första rapport för säsongen.
Aye up duck,
You have to go back to 1994 for Stoke to of last won at home on a Saturday on the Opening day of the season. (The 2-1 win over Wolves in 2004 was on a Sunday).
This fixture had the potential to of being very tricky for Stoke so to get a victory was a welcome relief.
Due to the lack of transfer activity the atmosphere in the ground could of changed somewhat had we gone a goal behind. As it was the Stoke support was in good voice particularly during a first half that saw us stamp our authority on the match.
Burnleys defence wasn't at full strength and Stoke took full advantage. Firstly, Shawcross repeated his trick of two years ago by scoring on the opening day of the season to head us in front before Rory hurled a throw in which Burnley struggled to deal with to make it 2-0 via an own goal.
In the second half Stoke sat back deep into their own half and conceded possession. This wasn't helped by the fact that when we did get the ball we were let down by some poor passing. Nevertheless, overall Stoke were fairly comfortable winners. This may of been different had Burnley scored but they didn't so that was that.
Sorro - Good game.
Wilko - Got some good blocks in and was strong in the tackle. (Typical Wilko)
Higgy - Passed a late fitness test and did OK
Abdy - Easily could of seen a red card for a rash challenge soon after getting a yellow.
Shawx - Good steady performance.
Whitehead - Good debut. Hes the type of player who breaks up opposition attacks and will work all day.
Delap - Started in the middle but moved to the right when Whelan came on.
Lawrence - Provided cross for opener. Struggled to get going.
Ethers - Showed glimpses in the first half but faded in the second
B.T. - Poor game.
Fuller - Almost made it 3 just before half time but his looping header was cleared off the line. Overall, fairly quiet.
Kits - Got a great reception from the Stoke fans when he came on for B.T. Nearly got that all important first goal.
Cressie - Late sub for Fuller. Nearly scored in injury time but the ball drifted wide.
Whelan - Replaced Ethers.
It was not the most accomplished performance by any means but any win in the Premiership is worth celebrating.
....Dave
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