Rapport från Dave, vår man på plats
Dave kommer här med sin rapport och bilder från förra helgens match.
Aye up duck,
"WE ARE STAYING UP , WE ARE STAYING UP"
I know that it’s not mathematically certain but it’s going to take a massive set of results for us to be relegated now. To survive this season against all the odds is just so massive for the club and it could set us up for the coming years if it all goes to plan.
Sorro - Has been really consistent since the Everton away match. Making good decisions whether to catch or punch.
Wilko - Rather reckless on that challenge on Diouf that earned him a yellow card. Mind you Diouf deserved it for being a prick. Later got subbed as he hurt his back in the very same challenge and is a doubt for the Fulham match this weekend.
Higgy - Good solid game again and provided the cross from which Stoke scored. Also played after getting an early injury and may also now be a doubt for the Fulham match.
Shawcross - Good solid match. Did what he had to do well.
Ab Faye - Another top performance. Got to be player of the season. Seems to be loving it at Stoke and the fans love him. Celebrated in style at the end with that run around the pitch kissing the badge.
Lawrence - Putting in some performances like of old now that he is getting fitter by the week. Totally deserved to score the winner and took the goal really well.
Delap - Has slotted into centre midfield really well.
Whelan - Gaining in confidence every week. Proving that he can be a consistent player in the Premiership.
Etherington - Matty had a really poor game Im afraid. Blackburn sussed out his tactic of kicking the ball past his marker and running onto it early into the match and he struggled all afternoon.
B.T. - Had a tough game against Samba & Nelsen to be honest. Having stitches in his head from last weeks match v Newcastle probably didn't help. Nevertheless, he kept going and headed on Higgys cross that enabled Lawrence to score.
Fuller - Great game. Looked lively throughout. Nearly got a penalty after that Samba challenge.
Kelly - Replaced Wilko and actually did well. Will probably start this weekend if Wilko fails to shake off his injury.
Cresswell - Replaced a tired B.T.
Sonko - Replaced Ethers at the end to shore up the defence.
6 of the 11 starting players had played for Stoke last season in the Championship.
...........Dave
