Stoke (0) 2 WBA (1) 2 – 6/4/24 3pm
Stoke stormed back from 0-2 to gain a well-earned point in a combative derby. A crucial 2nd half double-substitution seemed to turn the game, and Stoke fans stayed put to help silence the lively Albion crowd. Here’s how this game unfolded in real time:
Albion practically in the playoffs and no chance of direct promotion. Stoke practically safe and no chance of ending top-half. But hell, it’s a local derby…sort of. Baggies turn up, not dressed as Brazil but in a sort of Barcelona kit. Stoke rest Burger for lefty Enda Stevens, and righty Million is back to bring some excitement.
0.00 EVERYONE took the knee! There’s a turn-up.
3.35 Mmaee takes advantage of the high wind holding up the ball. Welcome to the bet365!
4.45 Haksabanovic has a chance to shoot on his left, but waits to put it on his right foot. Keeper Alex Palmer has time for a cup of tea and is more than ready by then.
18.50 After Million has a 1-on-1 with Palmer, Junho heals the ball to Haks but it’s deflected just wide. The chances are coming for Stoke, but they just can’t put them away…
23.34 0-1 !!! Albion’s Mikey Johnston waltzes through Stoke’s defence and blasts the ball past Iversen, who’s had nothing really to do so far.
HT City 0 WBA 1
Attendance 22,339
52.45 Thompson and Haks have played balls forward to nobody up front. Looks a bit desperate.
54.27 Campbell on for injured Mmaee. Mixed reaction for Tyrese.
56.18 0-2 !! Albion counter attack and Thomas-Asante breaks down Stoke’s right, Iversen saves his shot from a tight angle, but it’s tapped in by Capt Jed Wallace. Nightmare as Albion fans become very vocal. “You’re going down in the morning!” they chant.
60.10 Great low cross by Stevens but Tyrese can’t reach it. Good chance.
60.45 Burger and Vidigal on for Haks and Stevens.
65.32 Tyrese has a shot, but it’s wide. Not really surprising.
67.25 1-2!! A brilliant Stoke passing movement on the right, and Manhoef ploughs through and pokes home past Palmer! Albion fans go quiet in the Stoke roar.
72.20 Timewasting by Albion as no one goes to take a throw-in. Ref forces someone to slowly walk over to take the throw, taking several seconds to clean the ball with his shirt. Pathetic.
76.47 Penalty!! A high kick clearance by Yann taps Tyrese near the head… He goes down clutching his back
77.56 2-2 !! Vidigal’s penalty is saved but he puts in the rebound! Appalling penalty but Stoke fans are forgiving this time!
82.10 Mehdi Leris on for Million.
88.10 Thompson is yellowed for being a bit rough with Diangana. Then Burger is yellowed for good measure.
90.00 7 minutes added for Albion time wasting.
90+8 2-2! A draw that feels like a win.
