WBA (1) 1 Stoke (1) 1 – 17/12/23 12noon
A really impressive point for Stoke City at high flying Albion. They fought hard, and even took the lead with a cracker from Lynden Gooch. Caretaker Gallagher will be proud. Here he speaks to Moorlands Radio:
Here’s how the game unfolded in real time:
6th place Albion take on managerless Stoke 5th from bottom. Could this fixture have come at a worse time for City? Bae Junho is recalled to see what he can do live on Sunday TV.
0.00 Good to see the players taking the knee.
3.05 Thompson blocking Furlong’s way, making obstruction into an art form.
7.35 Gaps appearing in Stoke’s defence as Samiento tries an ambitious volley over the bar.
11.01 Stoke fans start singing about Michael O’Neill…???
11.25 1-0!!! What a shot from the right side by Gooch, flying in over the keeper!!! Looked a bit hopeful, but what a finish. Could have been a cross! Ask Crouchy if his was deliberate, coz Gooch has scored a cracker!!!
14.10 Stoke fans begin with “How poor must you be, we’re winning away!!” (Minus choice language!)
25.05 With Stoke actually attacking, Rose gives the ball away feebly. Thankfully, McNally tidies up, but what a waste.
26.15 Fantastic save by Bonham, finger-tipped to his top left. Certain goal from Sarmiento’s curling shot.
34.20 1-1 !! Rose failed to clear, and Albion’s Thomas-Asante volleys the clearance into the corner.
43.40 Yellow card for Yokuslu for a cynical tackle from behind on Mmaee.
HT 1-1!
49.35 Laurent left all on his own to defend on Stoke’s right. Where were Hoever & Gooch?
62.01 Stoke scrapping for everything.
65.10 Jed Wallace with all the time in the world tries a curving shot that looks to beat Bonham, but Rose heads away. Great defending, but lucky.
68.10 Vidigal & Wesley on for Junho & Mmaee. Gallagher going for a win!
70.26 Another dreadful near post corner. What is the plan? Albion defenders are really tall, so maybe it’s wasteful to lift the ball into the centre.
72.05 Burger is unfairly penalised in the centre circle and Albion break with Yokuslu, but a brilliant tackle by Rose saves the day.
75.52 Laurent’s shot is deflected wide. It’s becoming end to end. Good TV. A draw will raise both sides one place each! Meanwhile a player called Pipa comes on for Albion. Just…”Pipa”.
81.20 Neat football from Stoke, but Laurent shoots over again. Even Wesley got involved…sort of. Vidigal did most of the work!
84.01 Another great save by Bonham from Thomas-Asante, spreading himself well to a snap chance
84.47 No goal!!! Offside as Albion head into the net! Lucky Stoke. City go down the other end, and Burger finally has a shot from distance, but it’s just over the bar. Nearer than Laurent.
87.58 Another great save by Bonham from point blank range. Can Stoke keep the Baggies out, or will there be more late heartbreak??
FT It’s finished 1-1 !! A great point for Stoke against a highflying Albion!
