Stoke 0 Millwall 0 – 23/12/23 3pm
Steven Schumacher will probably be relieved with a draw after his side almost blew it in the dying seconds, just as Alex Neil’s did regularly! A much improved second half but little chance of a goal. Here’s how this goalless fluff unfolded in real time:
Yet ANOTHER new dawn for Stoke as Steven Schumacher takes over at Stoke with just 2 changes for City (Vidigal & Leris in for Thompson & Junho – probably chosen by Paul Gallagher). Good reaction from the modest bet365 crowd to the new man, but can the players bring Stoke the bounce they soooooo need!
2.45 interesting to see Sarkic in goal for Millwall. Stoke should have secured his services. Meanwhile Bonham tries to look calm at the back for Stoke, particularly as his position is the obvious one for replacement in the January window (after Travers’ departure).
17.50 Mitchell yellowed for a high tackle on Mmaee, which looked awful, but the replay is worse!
19.20 Good passing lands the ball at the feet of Hoever, who’s shot is over the bar, but wakes up the fans a bit (well, after the yellow card).
21.22 Boot in the face for Leris as Millwall prove to be extremely physical. However, it was in fact Hoever who did it!!! Leris plays on with a huge bandage on his head
35.25 An actual shot on target for Stoke. As Burger floats through midfield to set up Mmaee, who twists and shoots with venom, but its easy for keeper Sarkic. Honeyman tries a more limpwristed version down the other end, but Bonham grabs it with some contempt on his face.
41.00 Vidigal down clutching his face in an off the ball incident. He really has been in the wars today.
45+2 Linesman actually playing ballboy! Don’t see that very often.
HT 0-0 Not the great spectacle we hoped for.
48.38 Great run by Mmaee leaves Vidigal a chance to shoot straight at Sarkic. Small improvements to Stoke
Attendance 21,409. Smallish Millwall following. Not very inspiring performance so far for the fans.
53.30 Subs Tchamadeu and Junho on for DJ Johnson and Leris. Suddenly Stoke start making moves down their right side, but hardly testing keeper Sarkic. Fans start to sing though! Blimey.
60.10 Stoke actually taking shots now, albeit blocked fairly easily. Tempo definitely stepped up. Volume from crowd increasing. Starting to see action in the final for Stoke.
65.50 Tchamadeu runs the whole pitch to be body checked by Capt Cooper on the edge of the penalty area, Cooper who is extremely indignant. but guilty. Stoke pressing well.
72,35 Mmaee gets on the end of a great move but his shot is blocked. Stoke starting to shine, but there’s no end product.
74.45 Thompson on for Burger, and Haksabanovic on for Vidigal. Both look lively.
83.05 Lewis Baker on for battered Laurent.
93.00 Bonham caught batting the ball away with his hand.
95.25 Great save by Bonham after a cock up by McNally lets in Emakhu. Millwall should’ve sunk City! But Game should’ve ended 25 seconds ago!
Ft 0-0!! Just!!
