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Post by knowles on Apr 18, 2008 8:39:38 GMT
Just read this, nice one Rob (aka potters11)- very good read 18/04/2008 - City Sentinel: A crucial game for players and fans
by Robert Holloway
The feel-good factor returned to the red side of the city late last Saturday afternoon when Liam Lawrence inspired a second-half revival to fire City back to the top of the pile in a fight for the Premier League that no-one, seemingly, wants to win.
The sheer jubilation on the faces of fans was replicated on the pitch by the players' celebrations in scenes that I have rarely seen in 15 seasons of following the Potters.
A special mention must be given to Lawrence, who pushed Stoke towards and over the finishing line, despite suffering with injury.
Every time he got the ball, it looked like we were going to score - a real Stoke City legend in the making.
The pre-match showing of a clip from the Al Pacino film 'Any Given Sunday', in the dressing rooms at the Ricoh, seemingly did the trick for the plucky Potters even though, on occasions this season, an infamous clip of 'Mike Bassett, England Manager,' has seemed more appropriate.
The midweek results were unkind to Stoke.
Such bad news has been rare in this strange season, but shows we cannot rely on others.
Regardless of us now sitting in third place, three wins and one of the two automatic places will be ours. It sounds easy!
Hull City now have the upper-hand in terms of league position, but if they win their next three games (away to Sheffield United, at home to Crystal Palace and away at Ipswich), they will have earned the right to be promoted.
I somehow doubt that they will gain maximum points from those games.
We are now on the eve of the biggest match that the Britannia Stadium has seen - the type of football match that everyone wants to be involved in, from managers, to players and supporters.
Not only are three points up for grabs, but I feel the winners of this game have the chance to knock the other side out of the automatic promotion race.
Typically, as the suspensions are served, injuries are rearing their ugly head.
However, with the strong squad that Tony Pulis has now built, there should be enough strength in depth.
I feel the injuries to Andy Griffin and Shola Ameobi will make this Stoke team perform to a higher level.
In a week that every Stoke fan has listened to the rallying cry of 'Pottermouths' a dozen or so times, I would like to echo the main message: 'Do it Pulis, just do it!'City Sentinel |
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