Birmingham (0) 1 Stoke (2) 3 – 26/12/23 5.15pm
A great Boxing Day win for The Potters who stunned a dismal looking Birmingham. It was enough to make one feel sorry for Wayne Rooney. Gooch and Thompson impressive, but a decent performance, almost as good as the Boro away win (but did I say Birmingham were poor?!?). Here’s how this Xmas win unfolded in real time:
An Everton reunion of 2 ex-youth players, (Wayne Rooney & Steven Schumacher), but both need the points as Stoke languish in 21st spot, and a win will only take them to 19th (unless it’s a decent win!)! Desperate stuff. 3 changes, all midfield and all injury induced, Thompson back to add some steel in midfield. Junho & Tchamadeu to add some flair.
11.55 1-0!! Gooch finds himself through, but the blocked shot finds Thompson who drills home through a crowd into the corner. Blues fans stunned. I was wrong, it’s Thompson adding flair!!
28.01 Gooch down again, a lot of decisions going Stoke’s way today. A minute later Gooch is actually penalised, mocked by the fans (or at least the ref is!) .
30.25 2-0!! Gooch breaks into the box on the left and nutmegs the keeper!! What have the Stoke players been eating this Xmas??? Crikey.
38.19 Stansfield breaks, but somehow the ball flashes past all the Blues forwards when at least one should score!
45.16 Vidigal receives the ball on the right after long ball from Bonham, and almost manages to lob the keeper! Wayne would be out of business if that’d gone in.
HT City 0 City 2!!! Potters lead away! As the fans say, “How poor must you be, we’re winning away?!”
48.45 A clear header for Brum is inexplicably headed wide!! Rooney doing his nut!
50.10 Tchamadeu is yellowed for an unnecessary tackle from behind. Wasteful. Even more wasteful is the Birmingham free kick…straight to Bonham, easiest ball ever.
52.38 3-0 !! Vidigal breaks, puts it on his left and beats the keeper easily!!. Birmingham looking like a relegation side! Appalling.
56.22 Haksabanovic on for Gooch, who needs a rest!!
63.25 Stoke fans reckon Wayne’s career may be in jeopardy, even as early as the morning…
65.45 Tchamadeu hits the outside of the post, just after Mmaee almost breaks through the middle. All Stoke now.
68.38 3-1 !! Stansfield blasts home after a skillful break down their right side.
69.20 Ben Pearson on for Burger. Gayle on for Mmaee. Stoke look immediately frail, but have to dig in.
79.20 Vidigal down clutching his face but the game goes on. Eventually game stops for him. Nobody happy.
85.30 DJ Johnson on for Vidigal
89.18 Rocket of a shot by Burke at Bonham is saved well. Intimidating though. 7 minutes added!!
96.30 Psysio on for Gayle who’s resting in the centre circle. He goes off.
FT Birmingham 1 Stoke 3. A great Boxing Day victory!
