Stoke in action
Pictures from the match
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A superb 2nd half performance by Stoke saw then run out 2-0 winners thanks to Neville Roach and David Ray.
1st Half
Like the Redbridge match the game started slowly with Hayes creating the better chances in the 1st half as Town's defence looked a little shaky but Tarr did well on a number of occasions and when they did beat Tarr the ball crept wide of the post - Hayes should have been 1 or 2-0 up by half time.
Town had 2 worthwhile attempts in the 1st half with Sergio Torres's shot after the ball got loose just outside the area following a corner, but his shot just flashed wide of the far post with the keeper stranded.
Levis also went close after some close control on the edge of the area and his audacious attemtped lob fell onto the roof of the net with the keeper struggling to get back
2nd Half
Town started the 2nd half a lot more attack minded but the defender got i the way or the final ball was poor, Whiddett and Levis upfront were doing well but the final ball or a bit of magic was missing, Torres and Ray seemed to have control of the midfield in the 2nd half and Tanfield was delivering some fantastic balls into the box.
Enter Roach for Stamp and he nearly scored with his 1st touch as the ball found its way to him but he scuffed his left footed shot wide.
But Roach then found the perfect finish after another class cross by Tanfield just evaded the defender and Roach fired home.
Stoke were really on top now and a class bit of play by Levis from a corner almost had stoke 2-0 as stoke took a short corner and Levis turned his man on the by-line and fired the cross into the box hoping for a final touch, but Hayes defended it well.
Roach got through the defence after a good ball by Torres by his marker and then rounded the keeper about to slot home when the keeper got back and took him down in the penalty area - Penalty
Roach stepped up and fired by shot low to the left and the keeper saved but Ray was quickest to react and produced a diving headed to seal the victory.
Summary
Excellent hardworking performance and a solid defence that's now 5 scored 0 conceded.
What has impressed me the most is the hard tackling in the midfield and especially Torres who has been outstanding so far - doing the defensive job and getting forward at any opportunity.
From back to front the team are working for each other and Levis especially is getting back into midfield and winning the ball back when needed.
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