THE final result wiped the smiles off the faces of Stoke City fans, but the chance to watch the team in 3D was something they will never forget.

Football in 3D arrived on screens in the UK earlier this year, but for Potters fans it was the first chance to see the players in a new dimension on television when they travelled to Chelsea yesterday.

More than 150 fans packed into bowling alley Tenpin, on Festival Park, and donned glasses to watch the match.

Although unhappy with what they saw in terms of the defeat, many of the fans said the experience was like being at the match – despite being more than 150 miles away.

Among the crowd were brothers Tom and Michael Beech.

The pair usually go to every Stoke City game but were unable to make it to Stamford Bridge yesterday so gave 3D viewing a try.

They were joined at the bowling alley's bar by a group of their friends and said they were impressed with everything but the 7-0 score.

Tom, aged 21, of Hill View, Baddeley Green, said: "We're used to a good perspective of Stoke matches because we go to all home and away games.

"The only way I can describe 3D is that you have that same perspective but your seat keeps moving around. It's very strange."

He added: "I understand the technology behind 3D but watching it is unbelievable. The difference between that and normal television is phenomenal.

"The picture is perfect but the close-up shots are the best."

Michael, also aged 21, said: "I wasn't sure what a football match in 3D would be like but it was very impressive."

Their friend Dan Griffin, aged 21, of Field Avenue, Baddeley Green, said: "I had never seen anything in 3D before so it was good to watch it, just not the best time when your team is losing.

"Stoke have been in the Premier League for two seasons and now I am watching them in 3D. It's very strange and nothing I expected five years ago."

Tenpin's assistant manager Dean Bailey, said: "We have shown two other football matches here in 3D before and we had around 60 people in for each one.

"The Stoke City game has been the most popular."

"It is difficult going to Chelsea, especially with the London Marathon on the same day so showing the match gave people the chance to really see it properly. "

Other pubs showing the match in 3D were the Potters Bar in Meir Park, and the Master Potter in Cheadle.