A captivating second half ensured the Tigers win again at the bet365 Stadium
Joe Gelhardt’s 90th-minute goal sealed a terrific 2-1 win at play-off rivals Stoke City, after the Tigers came from a goal down at the break in Staffordshire.
City were on the wrong end of a poor decision from referee Leigh Doughty early on when Matt Crooks was fouled inside the box, but nothing was given, and then they were punished shortly after when Sorba Thomas crunched in an unstoppable volley after 17 minutes.
The home side carved out some good chances with Ivor Pandur making a fine save to deny Million Manhoef and Thomas, amid a first half where the Tigers were really poor.
There was a marked improvement at the start of the second half with Semi Ajayi heading in the equaliser just three minutes into it after substitute Mo Belloumi had diverted Joe Gelhardt’s wayward volley into his path.
Gelhardt won it in the last minute when he slotted in a fine finish from Mo Belloumi’s pass into his path, to seal a big away win for the Tigers.
Here’s how Tigers reporter Barry Cooper rated the players in the Potteries on Saturday afternoon….
Ivor Pandur: Well beaten by Thomas’ volley. Made a fine save low down to deny Junho shortly after. A fairly quiet second half all things considered. 7.5/10
Ryan Giles: A tough first period up against Manhoef, who always looked to go at him and cut inside. Not overly helped by young Ndala. Came off in the second after an improved display. 7/10
Semi Ajayi: Could have been booked early on for a foul in the middle of the park after Slater lost the ball. Unlucky with the opener after winning the initial header. Struggled badly either side of that. Headed in the equaliser and his first City goal. 8/10
John Egan: Returned to the starting line-up, and probably wished he hadn’t after a tough opening period. Made a big block in the second half. 8/10
Lewie Coyle: Not the best opening period up against Thomas, who was enjoying himself. Much better in the second and made a stunning last-ditch tackle to deny Juninho a certain goal. 8/10
Regan Slater: A really opening period from the in-form midfielder. Found the going really tough, as did those around him. Big improvement in the second, got around the pitch well. 7/10
Darko Gyabi: Started brightly enough, but couldn’t get in control of the midfield and was replaced at half-time as Jakirovic rang the changes. 5/10
Matt Crooks: Back in the side following his one-game suspension, and should have won an early penalty after being dragged down inside the box. Looked better in the second when he dropped deeper and brought more control. Won the tackle that led to the winner. 7/10
Joe Gelhardt: Brilliant win to free Crooks for what should have been a penalty. Was lively without ever really getting a clear sight of goal. His wayward volley did eventually end up in the net when Ajayi headed in. Scored a terrific winning goal. 8/10
Joel Ndala: Should have got out quicker from the corner for Thomas’ goal, and found the going hard early on, going both ways and was sacrificed at the interval. 5/10
Enis Destan: A return to the starting XI, and couldn’t get in the game in the first half. Much better in the second half as City showed more intent. Was booked for something he said. 6/10
Subs:
Kyle Joseph (for Ndala 46): Teed up Giles for a rasping drive at the start of the second period. Played his part in the recovery. Was booked after the game finished. 6/10
Mohamed Belloumi (for Gyabi 46): Immediate impact with an inadvertent assist for the equaliser. Teed up Gelhardt for the winning goal. Big impact. 8/10
Akin Famewo (for Giles 68): Came on at left-back to face up to Manhoef and did what he had to do really well in the closing stages. 7/10
John Lundstram (for Slater 80): Back on the pitch after nine games out with a calf injury, and quite a game to come back into. Slashed a volley just over from a corner. Booked after the final whistle amid chaotic scenes. 6/10
Amir Hadziahmetovic (for Destan 80): Shielded well in the closing stages as City held on for a battling three points. 6/10
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