Rapport från Dave, vår man på plats
Dave var på Reebok Stadium i lördags och här kommer hans rapport och bilder.
Aye up duck,
Due to circumstances I originally hadn't planned on attending this game. So when the opportunity arose on Saturday morning I had to book my ticket over the phone via Bolton ticket office. I then collected the ticket prior to Kick off from the ground. Upper tier £28 with a restricted view.
Pete, Charlotte, Wils & my good self were able to then set off in good time in order to meet Charlottes mate from University at a pub a couple of miles from the ground where they sold a lovely pint of cold Guinness. The one Bolton fan who I spoke too in the pub said that he couldn't be arsed to attend anymore games until "They got rid of Megson". That set the tone for how not to support your team. The apathy shown from the home support throughout the match shows what can happen when Premiership football gets taken for granted.
On to the game. Once inside I was pleased to see that the restricted view was not restricted at all and I had no problems seeing. After losing to Bolton on the first day of last season alot of those connected with Stoke had seen this game as a marker on how far we had progressed in the last 12 months.
So after superbly taking the lead through Kitson, it was frustrating to see Bolton equalise from the penalty spot so late in the game.
Sorro - Did nothing wrong. Did well when called into action
Huth - Moved to right back and had a good steady game. One great clearance header in the
second half springs to mind
Collins - In my opinion Collins had a good game and on this performance he will offer us
more than Higgy does. He likes to come inside onto his right but can also play with
his left. Such a shame that he should spoil his performance with that reckless
challenge that cost us 2 points.
Abdy & Shawx - Good performance. A Stoke v Bolton fixture is going to have alot of balls
played into the penalty areas and these two dealt with what was thrown at them.
Ethers - Returned to the team and looked lively.
Whelan - Good tidy game.
Delap - Steady as ever.
Whitehead - Overall did well. Made a mistake in the second half but was let off the hook by a
Sorro save
Kitson - Took his goal in some style. Contributed to the team effort.
Fuller - Did alright but the ball is just not running for him at the moment. Needs a goal to get
going.
Pugh - Replaced Kitson to counter the threat from Gardner. Did well
Lawrence - Replaced Ethers
B.T. - Replaced Fuller late on.
........Dave
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