Stoke were forced to play the majority of the second half with ten men after Gifton Noel-Williams was sent off for serious foul play. Noel-Williams received his marching orders in the 50th minute after a tangle with United captain Chris Morgan. His foot was definitely up and appeared very close to Morgan’s head. The referee viewed this as deliberate and instantly produced the red card.
Tony Pulis made one change to the side that beat Wolves at the weekend with Lewis Neal being left out to make way for Chris Barker to make his City debut at left back. Marcus Hall was deployed in a defensive role on the left side of midfield whilst the rest of the side remained unchanged. Carl Asaba was on the bench as he returned to his former club, along with Steve Simonsen, Clint Hill, Karl Henry and Lewis Neal.
The first half was played at lightning pace and there were chances for both sides. United started out the better but Stoke’s backline never experienced any great deal of pressure and this allowed the Potters to play their way into the game. The first chance of the match came from a corner which Nick Montgomery headed wide from close range.
City came close themselves of the quarter hour mark. Dave Brammer rolled a free kick to John Halls who struck the ball just wide from around 25 yards. Just a minute later and Noel-Williams found himself inside the area and he forced Paddy Kenny into a fine save from a difficult angle. The referee and linesman must have been the only people in the ground who didn’t see this as a goal kick was somehow awarded.
The Blades went close for a second time from a free kick, which was met by skipper Morgan, but he could not find the target. Morgan was to have a second chance in the half, volleying thankfully straight into De Goey’s hands.
Sandwiched in between these two United chances, Ade Akinbiyi was lucky not to score. A brilliant ball over the top by the impressive Clive Clarke left Akinbiyi bearing down on goal and he managed to lob the onrushing ‘keeper only to see a defender get back to clear the ball from the line.
The first half passed off without incident and City could be pleased with their first half exploits. However, it looked as if the game could swing in the home side’s favour when Noel-Williams was sent off. City suddenly lacked options and had to withstand pressure although it must be said they never truly looked in any danger. However, when they did get the ball it was hit into the channels for Akinbiyi to chase and the Potters goal threat had effectively disappeared.
City did manage to make chances just through constant hard work. A Brammer free kick and then a Clarke corner excited the travelling fans and they urged the players forward. Both chances fell to Gerry Taggart but he headed wide twice when he may have scored on other days.
The final ten minutes were inevitably very tense as City sat back with tired legs and United attacked. However there were still no real scary moments until the very end of normal time when Ed De Goey made a fantastic world class save. Barry Hayles was marked out of the match and it was his replacement Ashley Ward who thundered a header towards goal only to watch in amazement as De Goey threw himself at the ball and palmed the ball away.
The final whistle was greeted with huge cheers from the travelling fans as they celebrated what felt more like a win than a draw. However, it was still a superb result on a ground that is hardly generous in giving away points and this was obviously recognised by Pulis who ran onto the pitch to shake each and every player’s hand.
City showed just the sort of grit and determination that is needed away from home if we are to do well this season. If only the squad can be strengthened slightly, there is no reason why this side can’t be up there with the likes of the Blades at the end of the season.