Stoke City: Fans' verdict
THE unveiling of James Beattie rather overshadowed any misgiving the fans had on the return of Fuller.
The game exploded when a lunge from Wright-Phillips went unpunished and Rory dished out his own justice.
Backs to the wall stuff now, but deep into first-half injury time, up popped Beattie with a powerful header to give us a half-time lead.
Cresswell replaced Fuller, I think for his work rate, and we needed that as we had 10 men behind the ball and invited moneybags City to break us down.
The fans were now backing the lads to the hilt as our siege mentality saw us over the line clutching the points.
Great result, great atmosphere and a great home debut from Beattie.
DAVE HARRISON, Eaton Park
LIFE in the Premier League is hard enough for the Potters, but is it too much to ask for a fair crack of the whip and fair decisions from the referee?
Rory Delap deserved to be sent off for his actions, but as the replay on the big screen showed, the foul committed by Wright-Phillips before the sending off was so blatant and was completely ignored by the referee and the linesman.
There is so much protection from the officials for these big-name stars that we really don't stand much of a chance.
Our 10 men today did us proud and Beattie is proving he is the goalscorer we have wished for all season. Fuller, who has always been the goal hero, is in danger of losing his status.
TP said the season starts now and I'm glad to see the back of January. Sunderland here we come (fingers crossed).
SUE BRYAN, Meir Park
WOW! After some barmy refereeing woke up the crowd, we knew we were in for a defensive display from the Potters. And after the script had seemingly been written, Stoke tore it up.
Following Delap's departure, who would have thought a throw-in would lead to our goal? It really was Premier League quality from the new boys.
The second half resembled a scene from Saving Private Ryan, with so many bodies throwing themselves at the ball, and it was our very own Ryan who stood out.
This win means so much and ends a twitchy two-month wait for three points.
JAMES KNOWLES, Eccleshall
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