Stoke (1) 2 Boro 0 – 2/3/24 3pm
Stoke won this crucial relegation battle, completing the double over Boro (they’ve previously doubled only bottom club !). Two excellent goals against a disappointing Boro. But their impressive performance isn’t enough to take them out of the relegation zone!!! Here’s how this win unfolded in real time:
Both clubs on dire runs, City have lost 6 out of 7. Stoke make only 3 changes, instead of the normal 6, all forced changes (suspension, injury, not-very-good). Josh Laurent returns as captain. City in desperate need of a result of any kind.
1.17 Million Manhoef breaks skillfully down the right, and tries to lob the keeper but misses the far post. Stoke starting lively, and the crowd loudly.
2.25 Daniel Iversen spreads himself well to save from close range. End to end action! At the bet365?!? I know!!
10.30 Brilliant move involving Laurent sees Junho set up Million, but he blasts just over (when it seemed easier to hit the target).
11.57 Junho hits the post, but the pass from Baker sees him offside. Waste.
13.11 Rose clears off the line, however, the replay shows he was at fault for allowing the player to slip past him in the first place.
27.50 Ennis’ header brings out a save in keeper Seny Dieng. Good initial work by Million and the cross from Gooch was match-winning.
31.05 Burger goes down on the edge of the area and looks like he got a hand in the face. Afterwards he indicates that it was an elbow. Ref not fazed, but the game is getting a bit edgy.
36.20 Great tackle by Laurent to stop Ayling shooting from a corner. Gooch then blocks well from a Sam Greenwood shot. Stoke taking some flak.
39.11 1-0 !!!Junho scythes through the midfield and plants the ball into the left corner of the net!! A great goal, worthy of winning any game! Crowd celebrate by singing “When the reds go marching in” instead of Delilah. Eventually the Caldwell end do Delilah, but it’s drowned out by the Boothen doing We’ll Be With You. Intriguing.
HT 1-0!!
46.00 Laurent gets a yellow card. Why?
50.20 Emmanuel Latte-Lath and Wilmot are yellowed after a clash in midfield as Boro break.
51.20 After a stumble, Ennis tries to lob the keeper from distance, but he’s no Charlie Adam.
Attendance 21673
57.00 Boro defence give the ball away but somehow Laurent fails to score, saved by Dieng. Should be 2-0.
61.52 Ennis picks up unnecessary yellow card for time-wasting. Kicking the ball away.
69.01 Goalmouth scramble results in Baker shooting just wide. Should be 2-0.
70.47 2-0 !! And now it is 2-0 !!! Well worked corner played back to Baker who shoots through crowded area, with a deflection, past Dieng.
75.45 Mehdi Leris on for Million.
77.47 Great move down the right, but Ennis shot on the turn straight at keeper Dieng.
81.30 Tyrese on for Ennis. Campbell immediately (& hilariously) fouls Matt Clarke!!
86.12 Handball in the Boro area is missed by the ref! Replay is very damning for the ref. Thankfully Boro’s break comes to nothing.
88.30 Pearson on for Burger. Stoke still pressing for 3rd goal.
90+4 FT CITY 2 BORO 0
