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We got to Chesterfield at about 6 and visited 'The Barley Mow' Pub, which was just down the road from the ground and was mainly chesterfield fans I believe, but it wasn't an uncomfortable enviroment at all.
We got to 'The Recreation Ground' and sat down on our wooden bench to watch the game. 20 seconds at most into kick-off I turned to the lad who I was with and said "what a scrappy side, we should beat them easy" but it wasn't to be as easy as first thought. Stoke are more short of luck than they are of a goalscorer.
The Referee was a discrase (I get tired of typing that but it happens so often) and one of the linesman seemed to also sway towards Chesterfield rather than the potters on numerous decisions.
The Potters dominated from the start but failed to actually put a chance in the back of the net. Van Doerzen was a big influence on the first half and in the 16th minute hit the post with a fantastic shot after being setup by Hoekstra, who was in the game much more than sunday. Bjarni provided our great crosses but we just couldn't beat the keeper.
The Second half was alot more intresting. A quick break for Chesterfield saw them take the lead. Luke Becket was brought down just inside the area after his marker was caught the wrong side of him. Sergi Shtanyuk fighting to get the ball back brought Becket down and a penalty it was, completely against play.
Stoke must have woken up and realised what had happened at this stage. Within 4 minutes (66th min) Stoke were back on level terms, Hoekstra hitting a shot, coming back off the keeper and Hoekstra drilled the rebound into the back of the net.
Iwelumo netted his 3rd goal in 3 games but it was disallowed, apparently Iwelumo was offside which I had a great view of and it was a perfectly timed run, so after he and the away paddock had finished celebrating, Iwelumo looked to the linesman when running back who had his flag up for offside and Iwelumo was gutted - and so were we.
Thomas was brought off for Henry - who's first touch was taking on a player and crossing from the right which he did brilliantly with great skill.
Andy Cooke was subbed on in the 83rd minute as Gudjon threw everything we had at Chesterfield's defence. Cooke, although he didn't score was very good with his other qualities, holding the ball up - setting up.
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Chesterfields defence cracked, James O'Connor fouled in the box and Peter Hoekstra took the resulting penalty, which he scored to the delight of the away support. And if you're wondering what "Hey.. hey Hoekstra.. Hoek - Stra.. I wanna know.... If you'll score a goal" is all about - thats the song the potters faithful were singing throughout the match, but especially at the end, Hoekstra Acknowledging our support for him on a couple of occasions, I think he likes the song!
3 points on Saturday guarentee's Stoke the 3rd spot in the league, Bristol City are the visitors to the Britannia Stadium on the day that Stanley's Statue is unveiled before the game. Stoke have the opportunity to go third with two games in hand on the teams around them, and 1 game in hand over Brentford which depending how Brentford and Stoke do in their games in hand, could possibly see Stoke go top.
