Stoke City unexpectedly signed off with a confident 2-0 win at play-off side Bournemouth, blowing the Boscombe side out to sea with a goal in each half.
Debutant William Forrester swung round to put in Jordan Thompson’s corner on 36 minutes, and Sam Clucas set up Tommy “Cracker” Smith to fire home a crackerjack goal past ex-Stokie Asmir Begovic on 52.
However, The Potters still only finished a poor 14th as Preston managed a win at Forest.
Michael O’Neill will at least be pleased with his youngsters, particularly central defender Forrester who had a fine game & even bagged a goal.