Tony Pulis decided to stick with the eleven that started versus Sheffield United, resisting the temptation to play with a more attacking line up as we saw against Wolves. This meant Chris Barker getting his second start for the club with Marcus Hall playing in front of him on the left midfield. Up front, Gifton Noel-Williams was able to start after having his three match ban recinded after appeal.
It was plain to see from the outset that this match was not full of goals as both sets of defences looked comfortable dealing with the respective threats. Stoke were perhaps more than a bit glad to see Martin Butler on the sidelines with a serious injury. The first chance fell to City and Noel-Williams. He was presented with a free header from a ball into the box and he probably should have done better than send the ball straight into the 'keepers arms.
Ade Akinbiyi then appeared to have a great chance to score when the ball skidded across the area but he seemed a little slow in reacting and the ball flew out for a goal kick. Although it could be argued that Rotherham were having slightly the better of things, City then had another and probably the best chance of the match. Akinbiyi did well to set up Clarke but he shot over the bar when faced with only the 'keeper to beat.
The second half brought about a slightly improved performance from the Millers but City were hardly under any great pressure when the goal did come. To be fair it was a peach from Paul Shaw who has caused the Potters some problems in past matches. He found the corner of the net from 20 yards out to stun the following fans.
This could have spelled disaster for City after the chances missed in the first half but luckily they showed the wonderful spirit that is now evident under Pulis to get back into the game. It was one of Pulis's substitutions, Lewis Neal who injected life back into the Potters and he also had a hand in the goal.
Another sub, Carl Asaba crossed into the area and when Neal's header was saved, Akinbiyi was on hand to smash into the net from close range to ensure a well earned point.
A point at Milmoor certainly represents a good one for City and they can now look forward to Saturday's home match versus Gillingham.
[Aplogies for the lateness of this report,even Stoke City MAD has technical problems sometimes!]