Stoke City overrun Nathan Jones’ Luton 2-0

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There was no love lost on the Luton pitch between Nathan Jones’ old club (Stoke) and his new one (Luton), but City took their chances in the 2nd half, and they took the spoils. Here’s how the game unfolded in real time:

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As we’re not at the bet365, this can hardly be a grudge game against a former Stoke manager, and I suspect if we were at home, the crowd would give a vaguely warm reception to Nathan Jones. However, this is DEFINITELY one that Stoke fans want to win, be under no illusions. I’m lucky to be at this deserted, run-down stadium, looking out for the lesser-spotted Nathan, but all I’ve seen is Nathan Collins, recalled with Danny Batth at the back. Tyrese is recalled, and I’m sure he has a message for brother Nath. But it’s Adam Davies, bought by Nath then relegated to THIRD goalkeeper, who has the clearest message. He was in goal for Wales in the week when they scored the goal to beat Bulgaria. He’s come a long way under Michael O’Neill…

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2.17 Collins takes a terrible tumble, but Nick Powell then slips over twice on the edge of the penalty area…just where Nathan asked them to heavily water the pitch only 15 minutes ago!

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9.08 Tyrese with a point to make, charges through 3 players, and his shot is tipped wide. Would have been a wonder goal. Meanwhile, Powell collapses again with a boot in the gut. It’s like he’s being targeted…again.

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19.20 Davies is dragged back by the idiotic grabbing of Danny Hylton, but both players get yellow as Adam foolishly kicks out at him. Never seen an incident like that before. Who told Danny to behave like that?

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24.17 Another yellow for Luton (Mpanzu). This is turning into a real physical game, nasty at times… Fletcher being grabbed by Rea, and Hylton poking at Clucas as he goes past.

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33.01 Powell collapses in his own penalty area clasping his head. Don’t tell me this is all accidental.

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37.50 Luton keeper Simon Sluga now gets a kick in the head from his own player! Wasn’t even a Stoke players around!

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43.03 Pounding shot from Mpanzu on the right flies thankfully wide.

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45+1 Stoke slack just before the break, and shot is turned over. Something for them to work on.

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HT Nath’s new club 0 Nath’s old club 0

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45.59 1-0 !!! Campbell cross is headed down by Fletcher for his first goal!!! Nathan will go spare!

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53.12 Awesome cross from Tymon, who looks like a new player.

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54.12 2-0!!! After a scramble in the area, Powell blasts home. Then thumps his chest!!! I wonder why?!

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60.02 Brown on for wounded Tyrese.

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65.18 After superb move, Fletcher shot just wide. Nathan watering the away attacking end hasn’t had the desired affect

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68.01 Great full length save by Davies, who will have had a superb week if he can keep a clean sheet against the manager who made him third choice!

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82.37 Another full length save by Davies, catching the ball as he did it. Nathan had a good view of that one too…

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84.24 As Fletcher limps off, to be replaced by Gregory, it’s time to refer to the awful crowd noise, including salty songs.

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86.20 Rea clatters Brown, & it’s amazing that either of them gets up ever again. Stoke winning the physical game in the second half, with assertion not aggression.

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89.47 Clucas bursts through, his shot is saved & Smith blasts his chance way over.

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90+2 Davies makes ANOTHER great save. Nathan has kittens.

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The kitten man loses. Stoke march on by 2-0, and Nathan is in shock. It’s going to be a tense weekend in the Jones household.