Bury were not as good as what we had been up against recently, but they proved they could catch the opposition on the break, and it took some excellent goalkeeping by Neal Cutler to keep them out near the end of the game.
However, Stoke's performance was a good one and they not only created chances, but put them away and it was Chris Iwelumo who earned his place in the starting line-up with 2 good goals and an overall great performance.
Bury have been struggling recently, and this game could be the last time The Potters face The Shakers unless someone puts in some money to save the club. That desperate they are in fact, loyal supporters were collecting for the S.O.S Save Our Shakers Fund behind the sentinel stand prior to the game.
Bury came to the Britannia with a few loyal supporters behind them.
Chris Iwelumo's first goal came when I went to fetch my half time pie! A cross from Wayne Thomas saw Deon Burton miss with his diving header, only for ‘Big Chris' to hit into the back of the net from close range.
Stoke went in 1-0 up at half time, a lead that they deserved from their performance so far.
Stoke came out in the second half with the same side that finished the first.
CUTLER
THOMAS HANDYSIDE FLYNN CLARKE
GUDJONSON O'CONNOR VANDOERZEN GUNNLAUGSSON
IWELUMO BURTON
Bury started the second half fairly well, they made us battle all the time and were nearly rewarded not long into play. One Bury striker found himself behind the defense, past the keeper Neil Cutler and Handyside was the man back on the line to stop a goal with his chest, winning a standing ovation.
Chris Iwelumo then rained on Bury's parade when he scored not long after. A Wayne Thomas ball found Iwelumo who went one on one with the keeper with a calm knock towards goal, post and in.
Stoke were then fully in control of the game apart from one or two Bury breaks. We saw the introduction of Peter Hoekstra who replaced Arnar Gunnlaugsson, either because he is short of match fitness or Gudjon wanted to save him for Friday's game against Brighton.
Hoekstra is an entertainer, and what an entertainer he is. He weaved his magic to bring enjoyment to the game which we haven't seen since the old days at the Victoria Ground. In fact, It was his cross that setup the 3rd. A deep cross to the far post found Iwelumo with an excellent header, through the legs of one bury defender and bounced nicely for Jurgen VanDoerzen to claim his 4th of the season.