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Reading had some chances but the defence was strong, back to full stregnth with Shtanyuk and Handyside returning, and nothing was getting past an in-form Gavin Ward.
In Midfield,
Gudjonsson - Gunnarson - O'Connor - Van Duerzen
All four can be picked up on for good things that they all did throughout the game. Top performances all round, Bjarni Gudjonsson had his name chanted in the Boothen End - which I personally never thought possible!
Up Front, Cooke and Hoekstra.
Hoekstra stole the show completely. His skill on the ball was nothing short of world class as he setup chances, both the goals and more, and even had a few goes himself - hitting the post and forcing saves from the Reading keeper on numerous occasions.
The first goal came in the 25th minute. Bjarni Gudjonsson volleyed home a Hoekstra cross from six yards into the bottom right corner.
The 2nd came four minutes later as Hoekstra put Cooke through on goal, and he converted the chance, sliding the ball under the keeper.
Stoke dominated and nobody in the ground could deny the class of Stoke and their outplaying of reading.
As Man of the match was announced over the speakers, "Peter Hoekstra", he got a standing ovation and waved a thanks to the crowd. Our new chant in the Boothen End - "Hoekstra..Hoekstra.."
The support from the Stoke crowd was second to none. They got behind the players all the way, it was like an away game. The moaners didnt seem to turn up as even Bjarni had his name chanted.
Thats the best performance I have seen probably since moving to the Britannia Stadium. Thorne was not missed as far as scoring goals was concerned and playing like that all season will only result in one thing - promotion.
