stoke away reports from both sides

paul.d · Sep 4, 2006

Southend opened their Championship account with a 1-0 win over StokeCity, courtesy of a first half penalty from Freddy Eastwood.

[/b]Yet if it wasn't for the superb reflexes of goalkeeper Darryl Flahavan then Southend could have found themselves behind in the early stages.

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[/b]Confusion in the area allowed Peter Sweeney a header on goal, which was brilliantly repelled by Flahavan before he got up quick enough to block a follow-up shot from Vincent Pericard.

[/b]The Blues soon opened the scoring after just 14 minutes when Lee Bradbury collected Adam Barrett's ball over the top in the left hand side of the box before being taken down by Steve Simonsen.

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[/b]Simonsen[/b] was booked for the challenge with Bradbury deemed not to have a clear run on goal before Eastwood confidently stepped up and sent Simonsen the wrong way, as Roots Hall erupted.

[/b]Mark Gower[/b] saw a close range header blocked from Jamal Campbell-Ryce's cross before Eastwood found enough space from 15 yards to arrow a shot just over the frame of the goal.

[/b]

[/b]Southend were looking composed and didn't relent from applying the pressure with Luke Guttridge rifling a low shot into Simonsen's hands.

[/b]Mamady Sidibe [/b]should have levelled the score for Stoke when he collected Pericard's flick-on, but with just Flahavan to beat he shot straight at the custodian and then saw the rebound smothered.

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[/b]The opening 45 minutes ended with a Steven Hammell corner missing everyone inside the area, including the onrushing Simonsen, before the ball was knocked clear at the far post to arrest the visitors panic.

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[/b]Stoke came out with intent for the second period, but found clear cut openings at a premium.

[/b]Pericard [/b]set up his strike partner Sidibe, who saw his shot inside the area blocked by Simon Francis, before the former was then denied himself by a brave challenge from Adam Barrett in front of goal.

[/b]

[/b]A great turn from Eastwood saw him blast a powerful strike over the crossbar before he had an even better chance when Gower released him through on goal, only for Simonsen to race out to make an important stop.

[/b]A clever corner from Kevin Maher to Gower saw the winger cross to the far post where Barrett raced forward, but he could only head into the side netting.

[/b]

[/b]Stoke continued to become frustrated, as for all their build-up play outside the area they never looked like threatening a late equaliser.

[/b]In fact Billy Paynter could have sealed the win earlier and scored on his debut for the Blues, but his instant volley from Eastwood's pass was instinctively cut out by Simonsen.

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[/b]Southend then withstood six minutes of injury time to close out the perfect start to the new season with a 1-0 victory.

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[/b]Team Line-ups:

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[/b]Southend: Flahavan, Francis, Prior, Barrett, Gower (Hunt 86), Maher, Eastwood, Bradbury, Guttridge (Clarke 90), Campbell-Ryce (Paynter 71), Hammell.

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[/b]Stoke: Simonsen, Hoefkens, Duberry, Hill, Brammer, Sidebe, Sweeney (Eustace 68), Higginbotham, Pericard, Russell, Chadwick (Sigurdsson 61).

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[/b]Southend (4-4-2): Flahavan; Francis, Prior, Barrett, Hammell; Gower (Hunt, 86), Maher, Gutteridge (Clarke, 90), Campbell-Ryce (Paynter, 71); Eastwood, Bradbury. Subs (Not Used): Collis, Lawson.

[/b] 

[/b]City (4-4-2): Simonsen; Hoefkens, Duberry, Hill, Higginbottom; Chadwick (Sigurdsson, 61), Russell, Brammer, Sweeney (Eustace, 68); Sibibe, Pericard. Subs (Not Used): Pulis, <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Dickinson</place></city>, Duggan[/b].

[/b] 

[/b]A contentious penalty, two players in hospital and a strike force in desperate need of some goals. Just a run-of-the-mill return for boss Tony Pulis then?

[/b]Life, as they say, is never dull in the <place w:st="on">Potteries</place> and that rang truer than usual at Roots Hall on Saturday.

[/b] 

[/b]Freddy Eastwood's[/b] penalty settled the points but with Luke Chadwick stretchered off the pitch with dehydration, and a suspected broken wrist for Peter Sweeney, put an end to a desperate day in Essex.

[/b] 

[/b]But it could have all been so different as the Potters could have got the season off to a dream start through an unlikely source.

[/b]Sweeney[/b], signed by boss Tony Pulis before his departure last summer, found himself on the end of a Carl Hoefkens throw but could only head straight at 'keeper Darryl Flahavan after just three minutes.

[/b] 

[/b]Vincent Pericard[/b], on his debut for the club, fired the rebound wide of the post in what had been a promising move for the City.

[/b]But as ever with the Potters, a positive start soon turned sour. Skipper Michael Duberry allowed the ball to bounce over his head hoping that 'keeper Steve Simonsen would be the recipient.

[/b] 

[/b]Lee Bradbury[/b] was first to the loose ball though and when he went bundling over the top of the former Everton man, referee Mick Russell only had one thought in his mind.

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[/b]City players and fans alike felt aggrieved, and in fairness, if the incident had have happened at the other end, the visitors might not have got the decision.

[/b]Despite being booked, Simonsen could have no complaints about the quality of the spot kick as Freddy Eastwood kept his cool and sent him the wrong way.

[/b] 

[/b]The goal was totally against the run of play and harsh on the City players eager to impress both the new manager and the 1200 strong following from the <place w:st="on">Potteries</place>.

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[/b]Sweeney[/b] was showing signs of the form that earned him the move to the Britannia Stadium last year but added another injury to his recent growing list after 20 minutes.

[/b] 

[/b]The former Millwall man had to receive treatment for a rather gruesome looking injury - believed to be a broken wrist. But after leaving the field to apply bandaging to his right arm, the former <country-region w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Scotland</place></country-region> Under 21 international was thrown back into the fray.

[/b] 

[/b]Jamal <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Campbell</place></city> Ryce[/b] was giving Danny Higginbottom a tough time, and an untimely slip almost led to the second goal.

[/b]The former <place w:st="on">Rotherham</place> winger laying off Mark Gower, who saw his header ricochet wide.

[/b] 

[/b]Sidibe[/b] was a strong presence in the City front line, but after finding himself in a number of goalscoring positions, the big striker failed to deliver and the Potters headed into the break a goal down.

[/b]Other than his 13th minute spot kick, Eastwood proved to be rather quiet in the first 45 but soon came alive in the second half.

[/b] 

[/b]Two dipping efforts had Simonsen scrambling across his goal, but a 2-0 lead would have been unjust.

[/b]City, with Pulis' half time team talk still ringing in their ears, could and should have taken the lead in the opening minutes.

[/b] 

[/b]

[/b]But yet again, the final finish from Pericard and then Sidibe was not up to scratch when it was needed.

[/b]Carl Hoefkens[/b] was proving industrious on the right and a mazy run on the 50 minute mark looked like coming off for the Belgian when he jinked past two players.

[/b] 

[/b]But the final ball lacked the quality of so many of his delivery's last season.

[/b]Chadwick[/b] then had to be stretchered off the field - wearing an oxygen mask - after the heat appeared to get to the wide man.

[/b]But concerned faces among the watching Potters fans soon turned to smiles as John Eustace made his long awaited return to action.

[/b] 

[/b]Substitute Sigurdsson had a couple of pops at goal - as did Sidibe - but the unfortunate truth was that City never looked close to scoring at that was a worry.

[/b]The performance and result provided a timely reminder about what a certain Sam Bangoura was brought to the club to do last season.

[/b]Sweeney [/b]impressed, as did Hoefkens and to a certain extent Simonsen. But a lack of punch in the attack left many more questions than answers ahead the <city w:st="on">Derby</city> and <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Birmingham</place></city> home games.

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[/b]Luton had to settle for a share of the spoils in a highly entertaining encounter against <place w:st="on"><placename w:st="on">Stoke</placename> <placetype w:st="on">City</placetype></place> at <street w:st="on"><address w:st="on">Kenilworth Road</address></street>.

[/b]The Hatters had struggled to get into the game in the first half and saw themselves a goal down at the interval when Peter Sweeney gave the visitors a ninth minute lead.

[/b]

[/b]But a rejuvenated second half display from Mike Newell's men saw them battle back into the game as Leon Barnett's second goal in four matches brought the home side back on level terms on 54 minutes.

[/b]Richard Langley[/b] grabbed his first goal for the club from the penalty spot, just six minutes, later but the Hatters squandered their lead when former <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Manchester</place></city> United midfielder Luke Chadwick nipped in to capitalise on a mistake from Marlon Beresford on 69 minutes.

[/b]

[/b]After naming an unchanged starting line-up in his last two matches, Newell was forced into making two changes to the side which began proceedings against <place w:st="on"><placename w:st="on">Norwich</placename> <placetype w:st="on">City</placetype></place> last weekend.

[/b]

[/b]Markus Heikkinen, who missed Finland's defeat against Northern Ireland in midweek, was ruled out because of an ankle injury, whilst Steve Robinson was also missing through a similar problem.

[/b]

[/b]That gave Peter Holmes his first start of the season whilst Chris Coyne partnered Barnett in the centre of defence. Warren Feeney, Carlos Edwards and Lewis Emanuel, who had all been struggling with injuries prior to kick-off, were declared fit.

[/b]

[/b]Stoke named an unchanged starting line-up from their 0-0 draw with Birmingham City last weekend, as new signing Jeff Whitley had to settle for a place amongst the substitutes.

[/b]

[/b]The early weather conditions made the <street w:st="on"><address w:st="on">Kenilworth Road</address></street> turf slippery as the wind and rain caused havoc to both sides, who were trying to the get the ball on the floor.

[/b]

[/b]The conditions probably played some part in the opening goal of the game, which was scored by Sweeney after nine minutes.

[/b]

[/b]The Stoke midfielder unleashed a first-time shot from 22-yards after Vincent Pericard, the former <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Portsmouth</place></city> man, teed up his team-mate following a free-kick. As the ball skimmed off the surface, Beresford dived low to his right, but couldn't prevent Sweeney's shot from nestling into the bottom corner of the net.

[/b]

[/b]<place w:st="on">Luton[/b]</place> almost responded immediately as Edwards' 25-yard spectacular effort was matched by an equally impressive stop from Stoke goalkeeper Steve Simonsen, diving at full stretch to his left.

[/b]

[/b]Kevin Foley[/b], surging forward from defence, almost got onto the end of a well worked move on 21 minutes as the Republic of Ireland Under-21 international played a neat one-two with Rowan Vine, but before Foley could finish off the return ball, Stoke's Clint Hill made a vital intervention.

[/b]

[/b]Luton struggled to cope in midfield, as Stoke were able to dominate that area with ease.

[/b]

[/b]However, the home-side continued to create the better opportunities and on 26 minutes, Vine picked out Emanuel on the left, whose fiercely driven left footed shot flew inches wide of the target.

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[/b]Luton were having to be content with long-range efforts as Vine tried his luck from 22-yards on 30 minutes, testing the reactions of Simonsen, who made a smart save to prevent the former Portsmouth striker levelling the scores.

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[/b]With Luton failing to make inroads in the Stoke defence, Newell made an early change with Feeney, who looked to be struggling with a back problem, taken off for Dean Morgan with three minutes of the half remaining.

[/b]

[/b]Stoke finished the half the stronger side and twice had shots blocked in the closing stages of the first-half, which would have given <place w:st="on">Luton</place> an uphill struggle in the second-half.

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[/b]AT HALF-TIME: <place w:st="on">LUTON</place> 0 V 1 STOKE

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[/b]Luton could have found themselves further behind, just two minutes after the restart, had Darel Russell's shot found the target. Luke Chadwick's pass saw Russell open up some space for himself, as his thunderbolt shot beat Beresford, but travelled inches wide of the target.

[/b]

[/b]The home-side responded immediately with a chance that was even closer. Langley's near post corner was met by a diving header from Coyne, who flung himself to the ball only to see his effort rebound back off the crossbar.

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[/b]The opportunity seemed to spur <place w:st="on">Luton</place> on as Morgan tried his luck from 22-yards, firing a fierce shot that forced Simonsen to parry around his post.

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[/b]As <place w:st="on">Luton</place> continued to bombard the Stoke goal, the home fans sensed a goal was around the corner - and they were right as Barnett grabbed his second goal in four games on 54 minutes.

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[/b]It was his flicked header from eight-yards that beat Simonsen after Emanuel had put the ball back in the box with a header when Stoke had only half cleared Langley's corner.

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[/b]It got better for <place w:st="on">Luton</place> six minutes later as they found themselves in front. Referee, Gary Sutton had no hesitation in pointing to the spot when Morgan was sent tumbling to the ground by Michael Duberry inside the area. Langley made no mistake from the spot, beating Simonsen with ease.

[/b]

[/b]Stoke refused to let their heads drop and on 66 minutes and they would have been on level terms, had Beresford not been equal with Mamady Sidibe's splendid effort from the edge of the area.

[/b]

[/b]The former <place w:st="on">Gillingham</place> striker showed great agility to chest the ball down and then scissor kick an effort goalbound, which Beresford had to touch over the bar.

[/b]

[/b]But moments later, Beresford was the culprit as Stoke got themselves back on level terms on 69 minutes. Sweeney's long range shot wasn't gathered cleanly by <place w:st="on">Luton</place>'s Number One and that enabled Chadwick to nip in and tuck home the loose ball.

[/b]

[/b]Luton had chances to get themselves back in front as Vine and Morgan both saw shots saved by Simonsen.

[/b]

[/b]But Stoke almost nicked all three points, with a minute remaining, when Beresford's hesitation almost proved costly as Sidibe rose highest to crash a header against the crossbar.

[/b]

[/b]AT FULL TIME: <place w:st="on">LUTON</place> 2 V 2 STOKE

[/b]

[/b]Luton: Beresford, Foley, <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Davis</place></city>, Coyne, Edwards, Vine, Feeney (Morgan 42), Emanuel, Langley, Barnett, Holmes.

[/b]

[/b]Subs not used: Brkovic, Langley, Barnett, Holmes.

[/b]

[/b]Bookings:

[/b]

[/b]Stoke: Simonsen, Hoefkens, Duberry, Hill, Brammer, Sidibe, Sweeney, Pericard, Russell, Chadwick (Whitley 84), <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Dickinson</place></city>.

[/b]

[/b]Subs not used: Sigurdsson, Harper, Pulis, Patterson.

[/b]

[/b]Bookings: Sweeney (60), Duberry (60), Pericard (61)

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[/b]Luton (4-4-2): Beresford; Foley, Barnett, Coyne (c), <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Davis</place></city>; Edwards, Langley, Holmes, Emanuel; Vine, Feeney (Morgan, 42). Subs (Not Used): Brkovic, Boyd, Keane, Brill (gk).

[/b]

[/b]City (4-4-2): Simonsen; Hoefkens, Duberry (c), Hill, Dickinson; Chadwick (Whitley, 84), Brammer, Russell, Sweeney; Sidibe, Pericard. Subs (Not Used): Sigurdsson, Harper, Pulis, <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Paterson</place></city>.

[/b]

[/b]After a tale of two penalties, if referee Gary Sutton appears at the Britannia Stadium this season, he is guaranteed a frosty reception.

[/b]The <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Lincolnshire</place></city> man, officiating in the Championship for the first time this season, denied the Potters a clear penalty - moments before awarding the hosts a spot kick at the opposite end.

[/b] 

[/b]In all fairness, both were 'Stone Bankers' (a phrase coined by City boss Tony Pulis after the game) but the Potters, not for the first time, were dealt a raw deal.

[/b]Vincent Pericard[/b] was brutally hauled down by Leon Barnett in the 57th minute - only to see the man in black wave away his protestations.

[/b] 

[/b]Then when strike partner Mamady Sidibe scythed down Dean Morgan, City's players, management and supporters reached boiling point.

[/b]The visitors could have no complaints with the penalty - Sidibe seemed to be looking for a place to hide when the referee pointed to the spot - but the injustice was hard to take.

[/b] 

[/b]Simonsen[/b] could not replicate last weeks heroics and <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Langley</place></city> slotted home giving the Hatters an arguably deserved 2-1 lead.

[/b]City had lead at the break after Peter Sweeney rifled in from a full 25 yards after a positive start.

[/b]But a first half bombardment of the City goal from <place w:st="on">Luton</place> left the visitors licking their wounds during the interval.

[/b] 

[/b]Simonsen[/b] was in supreme form - springing across his goal to deny a host of Town players - most notably from wingers Carlos Edwards and Lewis Emanuel.

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[/b]The lead could have increased on the stroke of half time when Clint Hill rattled to bar, but referee Sutton had already blown for an earlier infringement.

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[/b]There was a more positive air about City's approach to the second half and Darel Russell seized on an early chance to drill the ball just wide of Marlon Beresford's post.

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[/b]But it was while City were on top that the home side struck the equaliser. <place w:st="on">Luton</place>'s attack was only half cleared and Barnett helped Emanuel's ball back into the box past a despairing Simonsen.

[/b] 

[/b]And after a frantic five minute penalty-appeal-filled spell, City soon found themselves behind.

[/b]But their obvious injustices only served to rally the troops and the Potters surged forward.

[/b]Sweeney[/b] looked to add to his early strike, while Sidibe latched onto Dave Brammer's through ball and forced a smart save from Beresford.

[/b] 

[/b]The equaliser duly arrived after another teasing effort from Sweeney was parried by Beresford and Luke Chadwick pounced on the loose ball to send the City faithful into raptures.

[/b]And in shades of last season's 3-2 thriller, the Potters could have won it in the dying minutes.

[/b] 

[/b]Hill[/b] glanced the ball just wide of the far post while Sidibe nodded Brammer's cross goal bound only see it rattle off the bar with Beresford in no mans land.

[/b]But it was not to be and, on balance, a draw was probably a fair result. The front two worked well together while Chadwick and Sweeney posed problems from the flanks.

[/b] 

[/b]Carl Dickinson[/b] visibly grew in stature against Carlos Edwards after being given the run around early on by the <country-region w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Trinidad and Tobago</place></country-region> international.

[/b]After conceding three penalties in the first four games, the Potters tackling in their own area will have to improve.

[/b]But with just one goal against from open play, the defence remains the most positive aspect of an encouraging start to the season.

[/b] 

[/b]<place w:st="on">Luton[/b]</place> have again started well this season so a point from <street w:st="on"><address w:st="on">Kenilworth Road</address></street> is not to be shrugged at.

[/b]With <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Plymouth</place></city> up next, boss Tony Pulis will certainly have the players up for that one and who knows. With a couple of quality additions are we looking at a team fit for the play-offs this season?

[/b] 

[/b]The next two weeks, on and off the field, will go a long way to answering that question.

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Guest · Sep 4, 2006

who gives a flyin f u c k abart this *****,or has someone put in a special request for this info

paul.d · Sep 4, 2006

don't read it then!!!!!!!! nt

Hicksy · Sep 4, 2006

Clown nt

Guest · Sep 4, 2006

RE: don't read it then!!!!!!!! nt

rather than have a childish reaction to what i said just tell me for what reason you posted it,,

Father Benny Cake · Sep 4, 2006

RE: don't read it then!!!!!!!! nt

Why do you use double commas all the time?

BFC Dave · Sep 4, 2006

RE: don't read it then!!!!!!!! nt

Why adopt an insulting manner in your initial reaction then ?

Tyketical M'stroke · Sep 4, 2006

RE: don't read it then!!!!!!!! nt

shove it up yer bol-locks.

BFC Dave · Sep 4, 2006

RE: don't read it then!!!!!!!! nt

How did the erm...'procedure' go last week ?

Guest · Sep 4, 2006

RE: Clown nt

who was that meant for

Tyketical M'stroke · Sep 4, 2006

RE: don't read it then!!!!!!!! nt

Ok, thanks for asking! Was only exploratory but it doesn't look as bad as they expected. I've got an appointment now to talk to the surgeon to see what the next course of action is.

I'm not quite bag-bound yet.

BFC Dave · Sep 4, 2006

RE: don't read it then!!!!!!!! nt

Good luck mate, hope it goes ok.

I've had one of those things stuck down my throat, hope they wash them well !!!!

Guest · Sep 4, 2006

RE: don't read it then!!!!!!!! nt

my initial reaction was prob a bit unfair to the lad,, the second part was sort of an invitation to tell why he put it on,, and as for the double commas i do it cos i have got parkinsons

Hicksy · Sep 4, 2006

RE: Clown nt

You- Paul post loads of info about forthcoming matches. Some you might wanna read, some you won't, but there was no need for that.

I enjoy reading his stat previews, if you don't, then don't.

paul.d · Sep 4, 2006

I had this rather strange thought .........................

that since we were playing Stoke this Saturday some people may actually be interested in how they have performed away from home this season so far

but maybe I'm just being stupid

Guest · Sep 4, 2006

i get that now but dont call me a clown,,

Rufus · Sep 4, 2006

Paul d keep posting those stats please..............

ignore those that lack the intelligence to grasp them.

Hicksy · Sep 4, 2006

RE: i get that now but dont call me a clown,,

Apologies for that then, but point stands.

pompey_red · Sep 4, 2006

but you are a clown

paul posts some good stuff , f you had taken 5 minutes to think about it you would have realised this

Guest · Sep 4, 2006

fao pompey red

in my opinion it is f u c k i n ***** so if i am a clown for having an opinion so be it,,you f u c k i n w a n k e r

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