Battling performance puts Potters back on track.

Tony Pulis made one change to the side that was so lacklustre on Easter Monday, Karl Henry occupied the right wing spot with Peter Hoekstra making way. The defeat against Rotherham was the worst performance for quite some time and Potters fans could be forgiven for fearing the worst ahead of the match. The last win against Sheffield United came back in 1988, and with the Blades pushing hard for the play-offs and Stoke left with little to play for, it looked like a home banker.

However, not for the first time this season the team surprised us by putting in a battling performance that eventually yielded three points. Andy Gray could have opened the scoring for the home side after seven minutes. He shot wide as the Potters defence looked on for an offside flag. Carl Asaba, made captain for the day by Pulis, could have made the perfect return to his old club but he followed on from his poor finishing on Monday with a poor miss.

Jack Lester then shot wide when well-placed after 25 minutes but minutes later Kris Commons forced a fine save from Paddy Kenny as the play grew more and more open. The match seemed to be heading for a half-time stalemate before Clive Clarke picked up the ball outside the area before firing in a low drive into the corner of the net from 18 yards.

The Blades were always going to come out firing in the second half and they did not disappoint. Lester again and Rob Kozluk both had chances to equalise but both were off target. Asaba then had another chance to net but Kenny was equal to his shot before a Commons corner was very nearly turned into the net by Rob Page.

United thought they had scored after 68 but Lester’s goal was ruled out for pushing on Gerry Taggart. This signalled the end of most of their pressure with the defence once again standing firm although Gray did shoot narrowly over from a free-kick.

Gifton Noel-Williams could have sealed the match with six minutes remaining but missed when well placed before Asaba had his shot blocked in the last minute.

The win pushes Stoke back into the top half although they remain eight points off the play-offs. It also gives an impressive return of four points against the Blades and it could have been six if it had not been for some poor refereeing and a last minute penalty at the Britannia Stadium.

With the play-offs out of reach Pulis has the opportunity to experiment with his team and it is good to see youngsters Henry and Commons both featuring and impressing. Neil Cutler was also given a further chance to stake his claim for the number one jersey next season with Ed De Goey only making the bench. Season ticket sales have been excellent and there is a genuine buzz around the place that promotion is a realistic aim next year. On this viewing, a little more class added to the steel and determination already in place could see an exciting season ahead.