Magic Stoke City beat off Bees despite late rally

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Stoke’s strikers took advantage down the left side, putting them 3-0 up on the hour, but their sloppy defence almost lost them the points. James McClean sprinkled the magic, and here’s what manager Michael O’Neill had to say to Moorlands after the match:

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And here’s how the game unfolded in real time:

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With home advantage meaning nothing these days, Stoke have their second bet365 game in 4 days. And after MIchael O’Neill claimed most sides are playing 3 at the back, Brentford turn up with a back-4. James McClean magically appears from nowhere to play on the left today – where has he been? Calming down from his red card for Ireland, maybe?

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1.22 Brentford already time-wasting! Beggars belief.

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5.25 Tyrese actually penalised for one of his pushes! He’s amused that anyone even noticed.

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8.55 1-0 !!! Excellently worked, McClean beats his man & charges through the middle, slips it to Tyrese on the left, who lobs it over for Fletcher to head home! McClean can’t believed he wasn’t tripped as he went through midfield like a hot knife through butter.

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28.15 Jacob Brown (in for battered Nick Powell) is getting the same treatment. Being knocked all over the place. He’s certainly on the right side of a front-three formation.

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32.31 McClean & Tyrese combine again on the left, with James floating one in for Brown to head right at keeper Raya. Brentford struggling with Stoke’s left side.

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34.07 2-0 !!! And McClean scores with a cross-shot from the left (again!) that beats Raya. Wherever James has been all this time, he’s brought the magic back with him! Aided again on the left by Tyrese. What a curious combination.

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40.25 As Tyrese shoots and it cannons off for a throw, McClean is furious about a challenge by already booked Toney. He could be close to a red after his carded challenge on Collins from behind and an arm round his neck!

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HT Stoke’s Left-side 2 Brentford’s Right-side 0

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47.35 Tyrese pushes a player off the ball and this time…somehow…gets away with it.

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55.05 Jake Brown takes ANOTHER knock as he rises for a header. Powell seen sniggering on the touchline! (No, not really)

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58.05 3-0 !!! Tyrese Campbell teases the Brentford defence on the left, cutting in, dummying a shot, then unleashing a low curler into the far corner. More magic!

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60.44 Canos breaks through, beating the offside, but Souttar is too good for him as he turns to shoot. Harry has skills for a tall guy!

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69.18 3-1!! Forss breaks through and fires it into the corner. Careless.

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71.10 Brentford try that one again, but offside. Stoke got to wake up at the back.

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73.06 Tymon on for Tyrese. McClean moves forward, and Tymon takes the left wing-back. Is this 3-5-2? Curiously, MON has Vokes and Gregory ready to come on! Pulis would have defenders coming on now!

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80.05 Fletcher gets a yellow for unnecessarily kicking the ball away. So, MON subs him for Vokes.

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82.05 Souttar’s knee saves a certain goal from a corner. Brentford not giving up. Unfortunately.

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86.55 Tash Oakley-Booth on for Brown. He’s immediately yellow carded!!! Is that a world record?

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89.52 Vokes heads Smith’s cross over the bar

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90+1 3-2 !! Dreadful back pass from Tymon, and Forss slips in to make it 3-2 from a tight angle. It’s going to be a nightmare finish!

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90+5 Stoke take all 3 points, but that late goal cost Stoke a few places in the league! Stoke 3 Brentford 2.