Stoke City

Barnsley 2-2 Stoke
Barnsley fought back from two goals down at Oakwell to claim a deserved point against Stoke. Clint Hill powered in a header from a set-piece to put Stoke ahead and Luke Chadwick doubled their lead, sweeping home from 10 yards. Tommy Wright's introduction as substitute breathed life into Barnsley, scoring with his first touch as he fired in from the edge of the box. Paul Hayes converted Martin Devaney's low cross to complete the comeback. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Barnsley boss Andy Ritchie on a late refereeing decision: \"We thought Luke Chadwick brought down Brain Howard inside the box and if the ref gives a foul it's a penalty. \"I was confused as to the reaction of my players as they didn't seem to show much consternation about the decision. \"But I think you all knew that the foul was inside the box and in that case then it has to be a penalty.\" Stoke manager Tony Pulis on being booed by his supporters: \"It's amazing isn't it? Five minutes before, they are singing your name and then five minutes after they are giving you a bit of stick. \"But it must be disappointing to come and see us only draw at Barnsley. \"We did this at Luton - played so well, but for some reason sat back. You just can't put your finger on it sometimes.\" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Barnsley: Colgan, Tonge, Hassell, Reid, Williams, Devaney, Togwell, Howard (Healy 81), McIndoe, Hayes, Richards (Wright 69). Subs Not Used: Mannone, Heckingbottom, McParland. Booked: Togwell. Goals: Wright 73, Hayes 76. Stoke: Simonsen, Griffin, Duberry, Hill, Higginbotham, Chadwick (Whitley 69), Russell, Brammer, Sweeney (Harper 69), Pericard, Sidibe. Subs Not Used: Hoefkens, Pulis, Rooney. Booked: Griffin, Brammer. Goals: Hill 3, Chadwick 23. Att: 10,464 Ref: C Webster (Tyne & Wear).

Sheff Wed v Stoke
Club skipper Lee Bullen, Chris Brunt and Kenny Lunt could all win midweek recalls for Sheffield Wednesday. Summer signing Wade Small is hoping to return to the bench after missing the last three matches because of a hamstring injury. Stoke midfielder John Eustace is ready to play his first match in 18 months after suffering a serious knee injury. But Ricardo Fuller will again have to wait to make his Potters debut as he is struggling with a hamstring injury.

Stoke striker Bangoura goes AWOL
Sam Bangoura's future at Stoke has been thrown into more doubt with manager Tony Pulis claiming the Guinean striker went absent again at the weekend. Pulis said: \"I was going to bring him into the squad and he would definitely have been on the bench. \"We could have done with him in the second half because the front two had worked hard and he might got on.\" Bangoura, 24, has stepped us his fitness since returning for pre-season training five weeks late.

Sheff Wed 1-1 Stoke
Sheffield Wednesday are still looking for their first home win of the season after drawing with Stoke. Stoke went close through Darel Russell, his strike saved by Brad Jones, while Owls defender Madjid Bougherra was denied by Steve Simonsen. Martin Paterson put Stoke ahead after collecting Dave Brammer's pass before Simonsen saved from Glenn Whelan. Chris Brunt equalised from the penalty spot after Stoke defender Andy Griffin was deemed to have handled in the area. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sheffield Wednesday boss Paul Sturrock: \"I'm proud of every player because each one gave everything to the cause. \"It was a very tight game and I can't fault my players because they worked very hard. If all the injured players come back, I think things will turn. \"It's vitally important we get our offensive players back.\" Stoke boss Tony Pulis: \"We created good opportunities. I was desperately disappointed with the penalty decision, which I thought was very soft. \"The Wednesday crowd do make some decisions go their way. \"It was a commendable performance given the problems we have with players out. I thought we played good football.\" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sheff Wed: Jones, Coughlan, Simek, Bougherra, Spurr, Whelan (Lunt 81), O'Brien, Brunt, Sam (McAllister 89), Tudgay (Bullen 89), Burton. Subs Not Used: Adamson, McClements. Booked: Coughlan, Bougherra. Goals: Brunt 40 pen. Stoke: Simonsen, Duberry, Hill, Higginbotham, Griffin, Brammer, Sweeney (Pulis 90), Chadwick (Hoefkens 66), Russell, Sidibe, Pericard (Paterson 8). Subs Not Used: Duggan, Rooney. Booked: Russell, Brammer. Goals: Paterson 34. Att: 19,966 Ref: A Wiley (Staffordshire).

Stoke v Burnley
Stoke's Ricardo Fuller is set to make his long-awaited debut against fellow Championship side Burnley. Vincent Pericard will be missing for at least two weeks with a hamstring injury while striker Sammy Bangoura may be included after returning to the club. Burnley manager Steve Cotterill has a doubt over Alan Mahon after he came off in the 4-2 win over Barnsley. Goalkeeper Danny Coyne (calf) is still sidelined as he continues his comeback from a serious knee injury.

Stafford net Stoke junior on loan
Stafford Rangers have signed Stoke City defender Sean Robinson on loan. The 18-year-old defender has joined Stafford, managed by ex-Stoke midfielder Phil Robinson, on a short-term deal. Robinson made his Conference debut in Rangers' 1-1 draw with Rushden and Diamonds on Saturday. A second-year scholar, Robinson plays for Stoke's Academy and reserve sides and joined Rangers following a number of injuries at Marston Road.

Wolves 2-0 Stoke
Striker Leon Clarke and midfielder Seyi George Olofinjana scored the goals as Wolves saw off Stoke at Molineux. Clarke netted his first goal of the season on 20 minutes, twisting and turning before firing in a low shot. And Olofinjana double the lead on 68 minutes, diverting Rohan Ricketts shot past Steve Simonsen and into the net. And the Potters' afternoon of misery was completed when referee Mike Dean sent off Clint Hill late in the game for his second yellow card. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Wolves boss Mick McCarthy on his restricted striking options: \"Carl Cort has picked up a groin strain and Jay Bothroyd had a clash of heads which meant he could not see at all out of one eye yesterday and could barely see out of it today. \"Meanwhile, Leon Clarke did really well but there were one or two things he did not go for in the second half. \"He started to get the bird from the fans but what they did not realise he has got a tight hamstring.\" Stoke boss Tony Pulis: \"There's a lack of confidence and at times like this, 90% of the job revolves around players staying confident and getting the breaks. \"We've produced good performances but not got the results we have deserved and that is where we maybe need a lucky break or two. \"I am concerned because we need to get a good win.\" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Wolverhampton: Murray, Edwards, Breen, Craddock, Mulgrew, Potter, Olofinjana, Henry, Ricketts, Johnson (Gobern 82), Clarke (Craig Davies 62). Subs Not Used: Ikeme, Jones, Little. Booked: Edwards. Goals: Clarke 21, Olofinjana 68. Stoke: Simonsen, Griffin, Duberry, Hill, Higginbotham, Chadwick (Hoefkens 45), Brammer, Russell, Sweeney (Paterson 61), Sidibe, Fuller (Rooney 79). Subs Not Used: Pulis, Whitley. Sent Off: Hill (85). Booked: Fuller, Hill. Att: 19,489 Ref: M Dean (Wirral).

Eustace is nearing Stoke comeback
Stoke City midfielder John Eustace is closing in on a first-team return, according to academy boss Noel Blake. Eustace has been out injured for over 18 months and featured in Wednesday's reserve game against Port Vale. \"I thought John was excellent tonight, he played at a high tempo, put in some good tackles and passed the ball with quality,\" Blake told Stoke's website. \"From what I've seen so far in reserve games, I think he's probably one or two games away from the first team.\"

Stoke v Preston
Stoke may have Kevin Harper and Martin Paterson available after they were not risked in a midweek reserve game. Striker Sam Bangoura impressed in the second string against Port Vale but is not quite ready for first team action. Preston striker Patrick Agyemang (thigh) was taken off in the 1-0 win over Barnsley as a precaution but has trained all week and will be available. Neil Mellor (knee), Brett Ormerod (broken leg) and Andy Smith (knee) are training but not ready for a return.

Diao poised for Stoke loan switch
Liverpool midfielder Salif Diao is poised to join Stoke on loan. The deal is expected to be completed by Tuesday at the latest once the two clubs agree the percentage of Diao's wages City must pay. Senegal midfielder Diao, 29, was a £5m signing for Liverpool in 2002 but has never been a first-team regular and was loaned out to Portsmouth last season. He is set to be joined at the Britannia Stadium by Sunderland's Rory Delap, who is also on the verge of a loan move. Stoke recently signed Aston Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie on loan as they look to climb the Championship table following a disappointing start to the season.

Diao completes Stoke loan switch
Liverpool midfielder Salif Diao has joined Stoke on a three-month loan. Senegal midfielder Diao, 29, was a £5m signing for Liverpool in 2002 but has never been a first-team regular and was loaned out to Portsmouth last season. City boss Tony Pulis told the club website: \"We've been monitoring Salif for a while now and have had very good reports about the kid. \"He's played 40 games in his first season at Liverpool, he's still only 29 and he's desperate to play football.\" He is set to be joined at the Britannia Stadium by Sunderland's Rory Delap, who is also on the verge of a loan move. Stoke recently signed Aston Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie on loan as they look to climb the Championship table following a disappointing start to the season.

Stoke boss Tony Pulis is planning to sign Sunderland midfielder Rory Delap permanently in January. The 30-year-old Republic of Ireland international joined the Potters on a three-month loan earlier in the week. However, he has been told that he is surplus to requirements on Wearside by new Black Cats manager Roy Keane. \"I don't see this as just a loan - that was part of me coming here. I want to settle down and start playing regularly again,\" Delap told SSB.

Leeds v Stoke
Leeds loan signing Alan Wright goes straight into the squad, while Gary Kelly is fit again after sustaining a bruised foot. Striker Richard Cresswell is close to a return after scoring a hat-trick for the reserves against Barnsley. Stoke striker Mamady Sidibe picked up an injury playing for Mali, but Vincent Pericard has recovered from a hamstring strain and could come in for him. Loan signings Rory Delap and Salif Diao are both fit and available.

Leeds 0-4 Stoke
Leeds' season hit a new low as Stoke secured their first away win of the season in fine style to send John Carver's side into the bottom three. The excellent Lee Hendrie opened the scoring after seven minutes with a superbly-struck free-kick. Andy Griffin slammed in a drive before the hour mark and Danny Higginbotham's header made it 3-0 shortly afterwards. Leeds' Robbie Blake had a penalty saved, before Ricardo Fuller completed the rout with two minutes remaining. # Leeds caretaker boss John Carver: \"I know what my ambitions are but I have to be quite honest and say possibly this ends my chance of getting the manager's job full-time. \"The result doesn't help my cause but I will take it on the chin. \"It was a dreadful day and my first apology is to the fans because we had built their hopes up.\" # Stoke manager Tony Pulis: \"It was a smashing result against a big club with good players. \"I think we've been in front in six games this season without winning those matches, so it was good to get a victory and a clean sheet. \"I am so pleased with Lee Hendrie. The players have taken to him immensely and he has real quality.\" Leeds: Sullivan, Kelly, Butler, Kilgallon, Wright, Douglas, Westlake (Stone 59), Derry, Lewis, Healy (Blake 59), Horsfield (Cresswell 26). Subs Not Used: Warner, Foxe. Booked: Kilgallon, Westlake, Cresswell. Stoke: Simonsen, Hoefkens, Duberry, Higginbotham, Griffin, Hendrie (Chadwick 85), Russell, Diao (Brammer 82), Delap, Pericard (Fuller 66), Sidibe. Subs Not Used: Bangoura, Wilkinson. Booked: Fuller. Goals: Hendrie 7, Griffin 58, Higginbotham 62, Fuller 88. Att: 18,173 Ref: T Kettle (Berkshire).

Stoke v Sunderland
Salif Diao and Rory Delap could make their home debuts for Stoke, but Clint Hill is struggling with a calf problem. Marlon Broomes (Achilles) and Lewis Buxton (back) are already out injured. Sunderland boss Roy Keane is set to ring the changes with Liam Miller (foot) is set to return while Dwight Yorke is expected to start. But Stephen Wright, Stephen Elliott (both ankle), Graham Kavanagh, Steve Caldwell (both knee) and Kenny Cunningham (hamstring) are injured.

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