Goal brings relief to Ethers

The last thing the former West Ham midfielder wanted was a family day out at the Britannia Stadium to end in defeat. It looked that way after Micah Richards made the breakthrough for title-chasers Manchester City in the 81st minute.

But Stoke have carved out a reputation as a team who never know when they are beaten and Etherington secured a point with a fine finish, his shot too powerful for goalkeeper Joe Hart. It meant Etherington could enjoy the post-match celebrations with his loved ones - two of his relatives were mascots.

After the 1-1 draw, he said: "It was amazing to walk out with my stepbrother and cousin. My family from Cornwall, my two daughters were here.

"So were my girlfriend, my girlfriend's family, my dad and my mum, everyone really. So it was a good time to score, especially the way the game was going. It was a good feeling and I will remember it for a long time without a doubt.

"Kenwyne (Jones) got the flick on and it has come to Tuncay. He had his back to me but I still knew he had seen me. He back heeled it straight into my path, it held up a bit in the ice and I managed to get a good strike on it."

Source: PA

Source: PA