Potters stake claim for playoffs

A solid defensive display on Gerry Taggart’s return helped secure Stoke a comfortable win over tough opposition in the shape of Ipswich Town.

Before the match saw club chairman Gunnar Gislason announce that the fans would see cut-price season tickets for next year after their successful pledge campaign. At this rate, Potters fans will be dreaming of seeing Premiership football for as little as £200.

Ipswich were quicker to get going and De Goey had to be alert to save well from Ian Westlake who was teed up by Darren Bent. Taggart was a little slow to get back into the pace of the first division and it looked as if it could be a difficult evening for the Potters.

De Goey was tested again by Bent and Kuqi whilst Davis in the Ipswich goal was left to contemplate an easy evening’s work.

However, once again it was Stoke who gained the initiative in the 37^th minute. Akinbiyi’s shot was rebounded back to Sebastian Svard who was blatantly tripped in the area. The referee pointed to the spot and Peter Hoekstra stepped up to coolly convert his 4^th of the season.

As on Saturday, Stoke could count themselves a little fortunate to be in front at the midway point but few were complaining.

By the start of the second half, Taggart had found his feet and the defence was making easier work of repelling Ipswich attacks.

Then in the 68^th minute Noel-Williams headed on for Akinbiyi to chase and he rounded the keeper and slotted into an empty net for his 8^th goal of the season.

It was far from over though as Ipswich decided to go with three forwards up front, deploying Bent and the two substitutes, Naylor and Counago.

The Tractor Boys did exert a considerable amount of pressure late on with Westlake and Wright both being denied by De Goey. However, Akinbiyi almost gave Stoke what would have been a somewhat flattering score line but he miscued his shot from substitute Brian Wilson’s corner.

Ipswich were unlucky not to get a last gasp consolation but De Goey made a fantastic save to deny Miller and give the Potters their first clean sheet for four matches.

Gerry Taggart did not come to the Potteries to see out the season with a mid table side, there is a genuine belief amongst the fans and players alike that this side can make the playoffs and whisper it quietly, the Premiership.