Stoke took 5th position in the league with a game in hand on the above teams therefore on playing our game in hand we could be joint top. Hoekstra was on the bench - recovering from his back injury but playing safe for now.
You couldnt say that Stoke dominated but neither could you say Bournemouth did. The difference between the two sides was that on the ball, Stoke looked a league above them.
Stoke started off bright but faded fast and the first major chance fell Bournemouth's way cleared off the line by Clive Clarke who recieved a standing ovation for keeping the goal empty very well. This "clearance" went straight to Sergi Shtanyuk who played a fantastic 60 yard long ball to Bjarni, who's fantastic first touch took him past a defender, he crossed and defender Shaun Maher beat his own keeper with a great top corner effort!
Stoke could have added to their tally, Thordarson volleyed just over and Jurgen almost made it 3 in 3, but he was saved well by the keeper.
Thomas found reward for his excellent consistant performances by hitting in a goal just after the re-start. Thordarson was fouled on the left, Van Duerzen took the free kick, headed on by Cooke, followed by a diving header from sergi, saved and Thomas tapping in the mid-air rebound.
Bournemouth could have got right back in it in the 67th minute when Jurgen Van Duerzen made the mistake of turning back with the ball and fouling the man when he took the ball from him. Jurgen Van Duerzen was booked for unsporting behaviour.
The penalty was struck to Cutlers left and he dived magnificently and saved, the ball going out for a corner to the delight of the potters faithful.
A good performance by the potters and we all went home happy. Cutler came up to the crowd and got a roar of support, the lad doing everything right in the goal at the moment.
Stoke now wait for 2 weeks before they can play again, Notts County at home on Saturday Oct 13th.
