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Post by daverichards on Feb 24, 2008 7:38:31 GMT
Sportinglife.com
Stoke 1 Ipswich 0
Stoke retained top spot in the Coca-Cola Championship thanks again to the goal-scoring exploits of Liam Lawrence.
Lawrence bagged a brace in the 3-2 win over Scunthorpe last time out to move the Potters into pole position in the scramble for promotion, and was again on target to sink Ipswich.
The former Sunderland and Mansfield midfielder let fly from distance late in the first half to light up an otherwise dull encounter and help City secure a fifth straight win.
To compound matters for Ipswich, who fell out of the play-off pack after their defeat in front of a bumper crowd of over 23,500 at the Britannia Stadium, they also had boss Jim Magilton sent to the stands in the second half following a touchline fracas.
Stoke, meanwhile, have now scored 13 goals in their last five games and appear to be hitting form at exactly the right time.
Carl Dickinson replaced the suspended Danny Pugh at left-back and Richard Cresswell earned a recall to the Stoke side while Alan Quinn returned to Ipswich's starting XI.
Given the fact both sides started the day wedged in the top six it was no surprise that the promotion rivals cancelled each out in a low-key opening.
Lawrence curled a 25-yard free-kick over the bar after six minutes while Alan Lee blazed wide from close range at the other end 16 minutes later.
Lawrence continued to look a threat from set-pieces and from his right-wing corner shortly after, Mamady Sidibe headed wide as the hosts enjoyed plenty of early possession.
Glenn Whelan tested Ipswich goalkeeper Stephen Bywater from long distance while Ricardo Fuller drilled wide from 20 yards nine minutes before the interval.
Tommy Miller dragged a left-footed shot wide from 20 yards before Lawrence broke the deadlock in fine style three minutes before the interval.
Lawrence showed great awareness to cut in from the right flank before unleashing an unstoppable 25-yard shot past Bywater to take his tally for the season to 13 in all competitions.
It was a superb strike from a player galvanised under the stewardship of boss Tony Pulis and visibly brimming with confidence.
The visitors responded in a positive manner after the restart as Richard Naylor rose well to head Miller's teasing free-kick over before Velice Sumulikoski fired just wide from 25 yards.
Ipswich manager Magilton was then sent to the stands by referee Michael Jones after an angry confrontation with a ball boy on the touchline.
Just after the hour Stoke failed to double their advantage.
Fuller first saw a speculative overhead kick drift inches wide before Bywater reacted quickly to keep out Ryan Shawcross' 20-yard drive.
A smart Steve Simonsen save denied Sumulikoski 18 minutes from time while Alex Bruce failed to hit the target with a wayward 30-yard effort in a scrappy end to the game.
Teams:
Stoke Simonsen, Griffin, Shawcross, Cort, Dickinson, Lawrence, Delap, Whelan, Cresswell, Sidibe (Diao 81), Fuller.
Subs Not Used: Fulop, Parkin, Gallagher, Wilkinson.
Booked: Lawrence.
Goals: Lawrence 42.
Ipswich Bywater, Bruce, Naylor, De Vos, Harding, Norris (Garvan 76), Sumulikoski, Miller, Quinn (Haynes 46), Walters, Lee (Counago 72).
Subs Not Used: Colgan, Wright.
Att: 23,563
Ref: Michael Jones (Cheshire).
STAT ATTACK 4 Shots On Target 3 8 Shots Off Target 5 10 Fouls (Conceded) 13 5 Corners 3 2 Yellow Cards 0 0 Red Cards 0
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Post by daverichards on Feb 24, 2008 7:39:33 GMT
Post Match Comments same source
PULIS WARNING FOR POTTERS
Tony Pulis insisted Stoke still have a mountain to climb if they want to return to the top flight of English football for the first time in 23 years.
An outstanding goal from Liam Lawrence, his fourth in as many games and 13th of the season, kept City perched proudly at the top of the Coca-Cola Championship as they saw off Ipswich 1-0.
And the momentum is very much behind Pulis' side, who have been beaten only once in 18 league games and have taken maximum points from their last five.
But he warned: "I've been in the game for too long to get too excited yet. This is a tough league and there is still a quarter of the season to go.
"If we treat the last 12 games any differently than we have the first 34, we will end up with our pants pulled down and have our backsides slapped.
"The players are working exceptionally hard and we have got to keep that up until the last ball is kicked. The back four will get a lot of credit for the clean sheet, but the four midfield players in front of them were fantastic.
"Liam's goal was a cracker and fit to grace any game. I was right behind the flight of the ball and as soon as he pulled the trigger I knew it was going in. He's on fire at the moment."
Ipswich coped well early on and could have taken a 22nd-minute lead when Alan Lee spooned his close-range shot too high after latching onto a lay-off by Jon Walters.
But Stoke gradually cranked up the pace and Stephen Bywater saved from Rory Delap and Glenn Whelan before Lawrence broke the deadlock with his 42nd-minute stunner.
The ball ran nicely into his path after Dan Harding attempted to clear Mamady Sidibe's flick and Lawrence unleashed a 25-yard shot, which tore into the top right-hand corner of Bywater's net.
Ipswich manager Jim Magilton was ordered to the stands 13 minutes into the second half after an angry confrontation with referee Mike Jones.
But Stoke continued to do most of the talking on the pitch as a tackle by Tommy Miller halted a lung-bursting run from Ricardo Fuller, then Sidibe twice went close to adding a second.
Magilton used all three of his substitutes in an attempt to find a way back, but the home defence was not seriously troubled apart from one flying save by Steve Simonsen to deny Velice Sumulikoski.
Magilton said: "We defended very well and we were competitive throughout, but we just didn't have enough quality in the final third.
"We passed the ball well and retained possession at times, but our midfield players weren't as positive as they have been and that was disappointing."
Magilton revealed he was sent away from his dugout after complaining about Stoke's multi-ball system, which he said favoured the home side.
He added: "The ball wasn't coming back in quickly enough as we chased the game. I explained this to the referee in a calm and controlled manner, but he didn't do anything about it.
"I just don't think it's fair and something needs to be done about it. It wouldn't happen at Ipswich because I think we do things properly."
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Post by daverichards on Feb 24, 2008 7:41:32 GMT
From The Sunday Times
February 24, 2008 Stoke tighten grip Stoke 1 Ipswich 0 George Davis at Britannia stadium
Wily Stoke boss Tony Pulis has warned his players not to be caught with their pants down as they continue their charge toward Premier League promotion.
A Liam Lawrence strike of top quality kept City on top of the Championship but Pulis is refusing to get carried away. He said: “The goal would grace any game, it was a fantastic strike.
“I have been in this game too long to take anything for granted and if we keep doing the right things we will be fine. But if we don’t approach matches in the way we have, we will find this league is so close that we will get our pants pulled down and our backsides slapped.
“The players are working exceptionally hard and we have got to keep that up until the last ball is kicked. The back four will get a lot of credit for the clean sheet, but the four midfield players in front of them were fantastic.
“Liam’s goal was a cracker and fit to grace any game. I was right behind the flight of the ball and as soon as he pulled the trigger I knew it was going in. He’s on fire at the moment.”
Stoke have scored three or more goals nine times among a run of just one league defeat in 18 games but Pulis was quite happy to win by a single strike. He said: “If we get 12 one-nils from now until end of the season I will be doing somersaults.” It was a case of substance over style as Ipswich moved the ball around well but lacked a cutting edge in the final third and barely troubled goalkeeper Steve Simonsen, whose place is in jeopardy after Pulis strengthened his squad further by bringing in Hungarian goalkeeper Marton Fulop on loan from Sunderland on Friday.
The Potters’ power pushed them in front three minutes before the break when Dan Harding gifted the ball to Lawrence and he hit a powerful 30-yard drive that took a slight deflection to beat Stephen Bywater.
Lawrence was feeling aggrieved at being booked moments earlier for a shove on the Ipswich defender and there looked a definite “have some of that” about the shot. It was the midfielder’s fourth goal in as many games to take his tally for the season to 13.
Bywater had reacted sharply to turn a Lawrence shot around a post, while Ryan Shawcross had the ball in the net for Stoke, but was ruled offside when Andy Griffin’s blocked shot fell to him. Alan Lee had Ipswich’s best chance in the first half after Jon Walters did well at the dead-ball line to pick him out, but after controlling well, the Irish striker sliced wide. David Norris might have done better, too, after Walters had teed him up, but the midfielder took too long and Richard Cresswell took the ball off his toe, while Simonsen made a fine save to turn a Velice Sumulikoski effort from the edge of the area around a post.
Jim Magilton, the Ipswich manager, was sent to the stands after complaining to referee Mick Jones about Stoke’s multi-ball return system, and he had a can and a bottle thrown at him as he left the dugout. City must now wait to see if the referee’s report includes the missile throwing.
The incident occurred when Magilton acted as an impromptu ball boy by returning a ball to Alex Bruce, the Ipswich defender, but at the same time another ball was thrown on to the pitch and when Magilton returned to the technical area, the referee spoke to him; Magilton apparently said something to the official as he turned away. Jones promptly pointed to the stands. “I spoke with the referee and he was trying to tell me about the multi-ball system . . . and I am an educated lad,” remarked Magilton.
He added: “It is a bad system. We do not deploy the multi-ball because I believe we do things properly.”
On the game itself, Magilton said: “We defended very well and we were competitive throughout, but we just didn’t have enough quality in the final third. We passed the ball well and retained possession at times, but our midfield players weren’t as positive as they have been and that was disappointing.”
Pulis conceded Stoke may look at using youngsters from their community scheme rather than apprentices for the multi-ball, but it should not take away from their fine performance to keep them at the top.
Ipswich, though, have only won two away games all season and drop out of the top six while Stoke are unbeaten in 10 games and look likely promotion candidates.
Alan Quinn, who went off at half-time, could be out of action for a few weeks after a scan on his ankle revealed the extent of the injury.
Star man: Liam Lawrence (Stoke City)
Player ratings
Stoke: Simonsen 6, Griffin 6, Cort 6, Shawcross 6, Dickinson 6, Lawrence 8, Cresswell 6, Whelan 6, Delap 7, Sidibe 7, Fuller 7
Ipswich: Bywater 6, Bruce 6, De Vos 6, Naylor 6, Harding 6, Norris 5, (Garvan 75min), Miller 6, Sumulikoski 6, Quinn 5, (Haynes ht 6), Walters 7, Lee 6 (Counago 72min)
Scorer: Stoke: Lawrence 42
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Post by daverichards on Feb 24, 2008 7:44:18 GMT
The Guardian/Observer
Stoke boys having a ball at Magilton's expense
Stuart Barnes at the Britannia Stadium Sunday February 24, 2008 The Observer
With Watford wobbling and West Bromwich Albion wavering, Stoke have seized the initiative at the top of the Championship on the back of a free-scoring run of form - and have lifted expectations in the Potteries of a return to the top flight after an absence of 23 years to a new high.
That run was prolonged here, courtesy of a terrific goal from Liam Lawrence. Their rivals dropped more points, so this was a good day all round for Tony Pulis and his team.
They may not suit the purists, relying as much on strength and organisation as the skills of a player like Lawrence, who according to the statisticians is currently the division's best. But who is to argue about their right to be in pole position with a quarter of the season remaining?
Stoke have now won six of their last seven matches, scoring 16 goals in the process, and that this match was a dour affair with little apart from Lawrence's strike to brighten the afternoon will be of no concern whatsoever.
'I've been in the game too long to take anything for granted,' said Pulis. 'I know how tough this division is and how things can change. We have to keep our foot on the pedal and the momentum going.
'Ipswich are a good side who pass the ball around well. But we kept our shape and kept it tight. Liam's goal would have graced any game. I was fortunate to be right behind it and it was always heading for the top corner. He's been on fire for us.'
By contrast, it was a bad day all round for Jim Magilton, whose team slipped out of the play-off places and who watched the last half an hour from the directors' box after referee Mike Jones sent him off after a row over what the Ipswich manager insisted was the ballboys not returning the balls to his players quickly enough.
Magilton said: 'The multi-ball system is a joke. We have had bad experiences at this club before. We were chasing the game and I tried to speed things along by throwing the ball back. I explained it in a calm manner to the referee, but he didn't want to know.
'Stoke are churning out results and won it with a moment of magic, even though it resulted from poor defensive work from our point of view. We competed throughout. but lacked quality in the final third and didn't seem to have the belief that we would win the game.'
As Magilton walked off down the touchline, a fan threw a beer can at him - an incident that could put the damper on what is turning out to be campaign to remember at the Britannia Stadium, which witnessed its biggest crowd for six years.
Lawrence's goal lifted a first half characterised, unfortunately, by a stream of long throws that Stoke hurled into the penalty area from both flanks. Ricardo Fuller put a decent volley over, while Alan Lee lifted the one clear chance into the crowd at the other end after good work by Jon Walters.
Had Lee converted it, there might have been a different outcome. Instead, three minutes before the break, Dan Harding gave the ball away to Lawrence, who whipped a 22-yard cross-shot into the top far corner.
For all their possession, Ipswich rarely looked like responding. Their new Macedonian midfielder, Velice Sumulikoski, forced Steve Simonsen to turn aside one sharp drive struck from distance, but the goalkeeper had little else to concern him.
Neither, to be fair, did Stephen Bywater in the Ipswich goal. Stoke's best effort after the break came from Mamady Sidibe, whose overhead volley from man of the match Lawrence's cross whistled over.
Pulis later admitted his club may have to address Magilton's complaint. 'We have little kids, not apprentices, doing it and some of them sit on the ball, rather than throw it back,' he said.
Match Facts Championship Saturday February 23, 2008 FT Stoke 1-0 Ipswich 38' Lawrence 42' Lawrence 1-0 62' Delap Stoke Steve Simonsen, Leon Cort, Carl Dickinson, Andy Griffin, Ryan Shawcross, Rory Delap, Liam Lawrence, Glenn Whelan, Richard Cresswell, Ricardo Fuller, Mamady Sidibe (Salif Diao) Ipswich Stephen Bywater, Alex Bruce, Jason De Vos, Dan Harding, Richard Naylor, Tommy Miller, David Norris (Owen Garvan), Alan Quinn (Danny Haynes), Velice Sumulikoski, Alan Lee (Pablo Counago), Jon Walters Referee: Jones, M Venue: Britannia Stadium Attendance: 23,563 Corners: Stoke 5 Ipswich 3 Goal Attempts: Stoke 12 Ipswich 8 On Target: Stoke 4 Ipswich 3
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Post by daverichards on Feb 24, 2008 7:49:44 GMT
Sunday Telegraph
Stoke City defeat Ipswich to stay on top
By Graham Chase Last Updated: 1:43am GMT 24/02/2008
Stoke City (1) 1 Ipswich Town (0) 0
Ipswich's defenders had been well-briefed and stood up to what has become an expected barrage of crosses and set-pieces at the Britannia Stadium but there was little they could do about the 25-yard drive from Liam Lawrence that keeps Stoke at the top of the Championship.
Tony Pulis' team have just one defeat in their last 18 league matches and they are a point clear at the summit but the manager said: "If we don't approach it like we have the first two- thirds of the season, we'll get our pants pulled down and our backsides slapped. We've just got to keep our foot on the pedal."
From the first long throw from Rory Delap, who can seemingly reach the edge of the opposition's six-yard box from any position on the pitch, there was always an Ipswich head to clear and when there was not, Stephen Bywater saved from Delap and Ricardo Fuller struck wide.
Ipswich's Alan Lee should have opened the scoring but sliced wide from eight yards and four minutes before the break Dan Harding had a chance to clear but only reached Lawrence, who rifled the ball into the top corner for his fourth goal in four matches. Pulis described Lawrence's 13th of the campaign as "fit to grace any game, an absolutely fantastic strike". Having spent the first half in the comfort of the directors' box, the frustrated Ipswich manager Jim Magilton was sent back to the stand just 12 minutes into the second period.
The Irishman was given a stern warning by Michael Jones after a touchline dispute but the referee had barely turned around before one comment too many had Magilton heading back for his seat in the stand. Magilton played down claims he had a beer can thrown at him on his way back to the seats by saying: "I have no idea, listen I'm from west Belfast, are you having a laugh?". He added: "The multi-ball system is a joke. The ball had to come in quicker and the referee came and had a word with me. I explained it in a very calm manner but he wasn't having it, he's the centre of attention and I get sent to the stand."
His team rarely looked like regaining parity apart from a powerful strike from Velice Sumulikoski, which was palmed away by Steve Simonsen with a quarter of an hour to go, and Stoke, who were last in the top flight in 1985, held on to add further momentum to their unlikely charge for promotion.
Stoke: Simonsen, Griffin, Shawcross, Cort, Dickinson, Lawrence, Delap, Whelan, Cresswell, Sidibe (Diao 81), Fuller. Subs: Fulop, Parkin, Gallagher, Wilkinson. Booked: Lawrence. Goals: Lawrence 42. Ipswich: Bywater, Bruce, Naylor, De Vos, Harding, Norris (Garvan 76), Sumulikoski, Miller, Quinn (Haynes 46), Walters, Lee (Counago 72). Subs: Colgan, Wright. Referee: Michael Jones (Cheshire).
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Post by daverichards on Feb 24, 2008 7:50:29 GMT
Mail On Sunday
Lawrence rocket has fans planning for life at the top Stoke 1 Ipswich 0
Last updated at 22:11pm on 23rd February 2008
Liam Lawrence's spectacular 25-yard goal gave Stoke a fifth straight win and strengthened a belief around the club that they are heading back to the top level of English football for the first time since 1985.
But Stoke boss Tony Pulis warned: "You can't do anything but keep your foot on the pedal. That's one defeat in 18 League games, which is fantastic."
Lawrence scored after 42 minutes when the ball came to him from an interception by Ipswich defender Dan Harding and he left keeper Stephen Bywater with no chance with a right-foot powerdrive for his fourth goal in four games.
Pulis added: "It was an absolutely fantastic strike. As soon as it left his foot it was going in the top corner. Liam has been on fire."
Ipswich boss Jim Magilton had to watch from the directors' box after he was "sent off" 12 minutes into the second half. He complained of the slow service when the ball was being returned. He said: '"The multiball system is a joke.
"I'm disappointed that we lost a game that we were competitive in. But we lacked quality in that final third and didn't really look as if we were going to get something out of it."
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Post by daverichards on Feb 24, 2008 7:52:05 GMT
The News of the WorldStoke 1 Ipswich 0 BET ON LIAM LIAM LAWRENCE'S goals are winning matches AND bets. His wonder strike just before half-time saw the table-topping Potters take another huge stride toward promotion to the top flight for the first time in 23 years. Boss Tony Pulis and Ipswich chief Jim Magilton both gave lavish praise to the quality of Lawrence's 41st-minute volley — his 13th goal of the season. It came, suitably, on the day Football League statistics named the former Sunderland midfielder as the Championship's No1 player. Lawrence, 26, picked up on a woeful clearance by Town defender Dan Harding and crashed in a 25-yard shot which bent past keeper Stephen Bywater and into the far side-netting. It won Stoke the points — and Lawrence a few quid off his coaches. Pulis said: "It was a goal that would grace any game — a fantastic strike. As soon as it left his foot I could see it was going in but he's on fire at the moment." Magilton also admired the strike, even though it meant another depressing away defeat for the Tractor Boys — a sequence that is clearly hampering their own promotion bid. He said: "It was a fantastic strike that deserved to win any game." But Magilton had problems of his own after being banished to the stands by referee Mike Jones. The incident came when Magilton sprinted from his technical area to retrieve a ball which had gone out of play. Magilton said: "I don't like the multi-ball system. "The ball needed to come in quicker because we were chasing the game. I tried to explain it in a calm manner to the ref but he wasn't having it and I spent the rest of the game in the stand." Town could have gone ahead themselves in the 23rd minute when Jon Walters beat the Potters' defence and knocked a square pass to Alan Lee. He chested it down but volleyed his shot over from six yards. Lawrence's crosses and corners plus Rory Delap's howitzer throw-ins were causing chaos in Town's defence in gale-force winds. And for Harding in particular it was proving to be a bad day. The former Leeds defender needed treatment after the energetic Lawrence was booked for shunting him over the touchline. He did play a pass to top-scorer Walters, who spun and volleyed over in one movement. But one minute later he played the deadly clearance to Lawrence, who capitalised in fine style. Lawrence said: "I always set myself a target of 10 goals at the start of the season and I've beaten that now and won a bit from some of the coaches, which is nice. "But I want a few more to help us get promotion." Magilton, who spent the final 40 minutes in the directors' box, said: "It's a massive result for Stoke. We were competitive but lacked some quality and creativity. Not enough cutting edge." This victory was watched by Stoke's best crowd for six years —23,563 — and Pulis added: "They make such a noise, the atmosphere is fantastic." He promised to review the multi-ball system. Pulis said: "It's done by kids from the community — not apprentices — and sometimes they might sit on the ball a bit."
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Post by daverichards on Feb 24, 2008 7:55:03 GMT
Sunday Mirror
Football: LIAM LAYS DOWN LAW Coca Cola CHAMPIONSHIP STOKE 1 LAWRENCE 42 IPSWICH 0 Potters are in charge at the top Ray Clarkin At The Britannia Stadium 24/02/2008
Liam Lawrence scored a winning goal to grace any table-topping team.
The Stoke winger, in a rich vein of form and by far the best player on show, struck in the 42nd minute with a 25-yard drive which arrowed into the far corner of the net leaving Ipswich keeper Stephen Bywater no chance.
It was a classic strike which in truth was hardly in keeping with a scrappy mediocre game. Both teams were full of effort but they struggled to cope with difficult windy conditions.
But City, now a point clear at the top of the Championship, will not be complaining about the lack of excitement. Clearly they are a team capable of grinding out a result.
But it was a bad day all round for Ipswich. They rarely put Steve Simonsen's goal under pressure and their manager Jim Magilton was sent to the stands after a couple of rounds with referee Mike Jones.
Magilton, clearly annoyed the ball boys were not returning the balls quickly enough to his players, acted as an impromptu ball boy himself when he tried to get play moving swiftly again. And when he made another remark to referee Jones he was sent off.
Magilton explained: "The multi-ball system is a joke. We have had a bad experience with it at this club before.
"The ball was not coming back quickly enough for both sides and we were chasing the game so I tried to get things moving again.
"I explained it in a calm manner to the referee but he wasn't having it and I was sent to the stand."
Stoke could be in trouble with the authorities because a fan threw a beer can at Magilton as he trudged along the touchline.
But it would be a pity if such an incident took the gloss off a boom-time for the Potteries club. They are in with an excellent chance of returning to the top flight for the first time in 23 years and their crowd off 23,563 was the biggest for six years.
Stoke put Town under pressure early on with a series of long throw-ins from Lawrence which bombed into the penalty area where Mamady Sidibe and Ricardo Fuller were dangers.
Then Lawrence took a quick throw - in in the 20th minute which found Rory Delap unmarked but the midfield man shot into the netting.
Two minutes later Ipswich created and missed their best chance. Jon Walters played a late ball into Alan Lee's path but fatally the striker hesitated and by the time Stoke's defence had recovered Lee could only shoot well wide.
City had two good shouts for penalties turned down. Lawrence went down in the 32nd minute when Dan Harding stuck out a leg and moments later a cross from Sidibe struck Bruce on the hand.
Yet Lawrence had the last laugh on Harding with his winning goal. The full-back failed to clear a header from Sidibe and the ball fell for the City winger to score.
Stoke boss Tony Pulis said: "Liam has been on fire recently and I thought our four midfield players were fantastic. It's all about results now and I would be happy with 12 more 1-0 wins between now and the end of the season."
HOW THEY RATED
STOKE
Simonsen 6, Griffin 7, Cort 7, Whelan 7, LAWRENCE 8, Cresswell 6, Fuller 7, Sidibe 7 (Diao), Shawcross 6, Delap 7, Dickinson 6.
Manager Pulis 6
IPSWICH
Bywater 6, Bruce 6, De Vos 7, Naylor 7, Miller 7, Lee 7 (Garvan 6), Walters 6, Harding 6, Quinn 6 (Haynes 7), Sumulikoski 6, Norris 6 (Counago).
Manager Magilton 6
Referee M Jones 7
MAN OF THE MATCH
LIAM LAWRENCE
Scored a goal to grace any game.
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Post by daverichards on Feb 24, 2008 7:56:56 GMT
The People
24 February 2008 Magilton misses Lawro's magic Coca Cola CHAMPIONSHIP Stoke 1 Ipswich 0 By John Arnfield
Back in the good old days they used to say there's no Stoke without fire.
Ipswich found to their great cost that the old adage is back in fashion for the Championship leaders.
And the man who is firing them up is serial hero Liam Lawrence, who scored a goal which all agreed was worthy of winning any match.
Not that Town boss Jim Magilton got to see his full repertoire of tricks.
The Ulsterman was banished to the stands on 57 minutes, yet another manager furious with Stoke's multiball system.
And his stinging blast after the game forced Potters boss Tony Pulis to concede the system needed looking at.
Trying to hurry things up, Magilton threw a dead ball to his defender Alex Bruce at the same time as a ball boy.
That earned him an ear-bashing from ref Michael Jones, who only got five paces before returning to summarily dismiss Magilton to the stands.
"I don't like the system, it's a joke," said angry Jim. "The ball wasn't coming back quickly enough for both sides as we were chasing the game.
"I explained it to the ref in a calm manner but he wasn't having any of it. I think it's a bad system. We don't employ it. We do things properly."
Pulis said of this latest win: "We now have to keep our feet on the pedal. The goal would have graced any game."
The 23,563 crowd - biggest in six years - saw Lawrence's unstoppable angled 25-yarder, his 13th strike of the season.
Stoke: Simonsen 7 - Griffin 7, Cort 7, Shawcross 7, Dickinson 7 - *LAWRENCE 9, Whelan 7, Delap 7, Cresswell 7 - Fuller 8, Sidibe 7 (Diao, 81mins).
Ipswich: Bywater 7 - Bruce 7, Naylor 7, De Vos 7, Harding 6 - Norris 6 (Garvan, 75mins), Sumulikoski 7, Miller 6, Quinn 7 (Haynes, 46mins, 6) - Lee 6 (Counago, 71mins), *WALTERS 8. Ref: M Jones 7.
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Post by daverichards on Feb 24, 2008 8:00:05 GMT
East Anglian Daily TimesBlues lose to Lawrence stunner 23 February 2008 | 17:39 Stoke City 1 Ipswich Town 0 By Elvin King A STUNNING Liam Lawrence 42nd minute goal was enough to give Coca-Cola Championship leaders Stoke City a narrow hard-fought victory over Ipswich Town at the Britannia ground. Town competed well against a confident home side, but did not have the punch to manufacture a goal in a high-tempo contest. Perhaps the impending arrival of David Nugent on loan from Portsmouth will change that. Lawrence struck with a stunning 25-yard shot after Dan Harding had only half cleared the ball. It was the wide player's 13th goal of the season. Town boss Jim Magilton was banished to the stands in the second half after falling out with the referee, while Jason De Vos and Richard Naylor were giants at the back for the Blues, and Velice Sumulikoski came closest to an equaliser with a shot that produced an excellent save from Steve Simonsen. In the first minute Norris won a free-kick, and Quinn's dead-ball kick went across the sprawling Simonsen and just out of the reach of Naylor at the far post. Sidibe appeared to strike Sumulikoski as the players waited for a Stoke free-kick, but the incident was not spotted by the officials despite an assistant looking right along the back line. Lawrence shot 20 yards over from distance after a free-kick conceded by Miller ten yards outside the Town penalty area. Walters was ordered off the field to replace a left boot that was proving troublesome to replace, and when he returned - in the 15th minute - Lee went twisting and turning deep in the penalty area before running into too many bodies before he could get in a shot. Sumuliksoski (Shumi) was getting in plenty of important touches in the middle of the park and Ipswich were giving as good as they were getting in a high-tempo contest. Naylor had to bravely stoop to head clear a long throw-in from the left as Fuller waited to pounce ten yards from goal, but Town soon broke with Harding overlapping but sending a cross into the hands of the keeper. Town had the best chance so far in the 23rd minute after Walters climbed above his marker and went forward to pull the ball back to Lee. The number 14 took the ball down, but shot left-footed a yard too high from seven yards. Bywater saved a low 25-yard piledriver from Whelan as these two teams continued to go at each other with considerable gusto. Fuller was stopped in his tracks three times as he threatened to break clear of a resolute visiting defence. Naylor was featuring strongly at the back with De Vos his usual strong self beside him. Shawcross put the ball in the net in the 32nd minute after a free-kick had only been half cleared, but he was a good yard offside. Stoke claimed strongly for a penalty after Sidibe went galloping down the right and crossed into the box. Lawrence went tumbling over a challenge by Harding, but there was no surprise when the officials waved play on. When Harding ended in a heap three yards over the touchline, Lawrence became the first player to be booked in this cut-throat encounter. Magilton's friend and former Northern Ireland playing colleague Iain Dowie was sitting in the stand having recently parted company with Coventry City. And Dowie witnessed a splendid finish in the 42nd minute when Stoke took the lead. Ipswich, who were having more possession at the time, looked to have cleared any danger following a lofted ball forward. But Harding only managed to find LAWRENCE with his clearance, and the number seven took aim before blasting a 25-yard angled drive across Bywater and high into the far corner of the goal before the keeper could move. It was a blow to the Blues, and came after the ball should have been cleared. They were still in the game, but by taking an advantage Stoke's confidence levels had visablied increased. Haynes replaced Quinn before the game re-started and took his place on the left of midfield. Magilton was now on the touchline and he watched in long coat as Miller's free-kick caused problems at the far post before going out for a goal kick. It was all Town at this stage, but when Lawrence went flying beyond Harding, Bywater was grateful that the cross from the by-line went straight at him. In the 51st minute, Haynes' cross from the left was fumbled by Simonsen and Lee was close to tapping the ball into the vacant net. Fortunately for the home side the ball ran loose and they were able to clear. Magilton was spoken to by the referee, and then sent to the stand after going down the side of the pitch to put the ball back into play. As Magilton hurried off to the corner of the ground he was sent on his way by baying home fans. Blues fans chanted 'Super Jim' to show their love of the Town boss, who let the official know his views in no uncertain manner before departing. Fuller went beyond Naylor on a rapid Stoke counter attack in the 63rd minute. Naylor slipped by the touchline, and it was left to Miller to race back and touch the ball for a corner before Fuller could pull the trigger. Sidibe then tried an ambitious overhead kick after a cross by Lawrence, and his effort only went a foot wide with Bywater looking on. Haynes was now playing down the middle with Walters on the right and Norris on the left. Sidibe hooked over from close range in the 68th minute, following a disputed right-wing corner, with Town still plugging away but as yet unable to get in a telling shot. The attendance figure was the biggest of the season and there was still all to play for with Counago coming on for Lee after 71 minutes. In the next minute, Shumi was set up for a shot, and his stinging 22-yard effort was beaten away by the diving Simonsen at the expense of a corner. It was a great effort by the Macedonian, and was close to bringing the scores level. Garvan came on for Norris after 75 minutes. Shumi had a shot blocked and the ball ran to Bruce who fired well over from 25 yards as Stoke began to get a bit twitchy with only a one-goal lead to protect. Garvan tried to put Haynes away, but the steady Shawcross cleared. Diao replaced Sidibe after 81 minutes, and Fuller had a close range effort that ran through to Bywater with Stoke claiming handball against Naylor. Haynes ran the ball out of play as the four minutes of stoppage time commenced with whistles all round the ground as the home team ended nervously.
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Post by daverichards on Feb 24, 2008 8:02:06 GMT
Post Match reactions from East Anglian Daily TimesMagilton: We lacked quality 23 February 2008 | 17:59 DEREK DAVIS Magilton acted as an impromptu ball-boy to get the ball quickly to Alex Bruce and earned a stiff rebuke from referee Mick Jones. Just as the referee was turning away Magilton said something else and Jones returned to send him to the stand. As Magilton made his way down the touchline a can and bottle were thrown at him and he jogged away down the tunnel. City could face further action for the missile throwing but Magilton dismissed it by saying: “It was nothing, it's not West Belfast.” But he was left fuming after being sent off and questioned the use of the multi-ball system where ball boys use more than one ball to ensure the game moves along quickly. He said: “Magilton said: “The referee tried to explain the multi-ball to me but I'm an educated boy. “I asked the referee about the multi-ball not being fair. We were chasing the game and the ball has not come in quickly “We do not deploy the multi-ball because I believe we do the right thing.” He certainly thought his team had done the right thing for most of the game but were beaten by a wonder goal from Liam Lawrence. He said: “We were competitive throughout. Our keeper has hardly had a save to make. “Stoke are churning out results and it was a massive win for them. “We passed the ball well and had our moments but we lacked quality in the final third and didn't go with enough belief but overall I was pleased.” Magilton tweaked his starting side after two wins by bring back Alan Quinn, although Danny Haynes replaced the winger again at half time with the midfielder needing a scan on an ankle injury. Stoke boss Tony Pulis said: “The goal would grace any game, it was a fantastic strike. “Ipswich are a good side that pass the ballad n move your side and we stayed organised.” Stoke stay top while Ipswich drop to seventh place but Pulis is not getting carried away. He said: “I have been in this game too long to take anything for granted and if we keep doing then right things we will be fine. “Unless we keep doing the right things we will get out pants pulled down and get our backsides slapped.” “If we get 12 one-nils from now until end of season I will be doing somersaults.”
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Post by Thank you from Moorlander1 on Feb 24, 2008 8:39:50 GMT
Thak you Ilfred.
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Post by Red and White Eyes on Feb 24, 2008 8:47:03 GMT
Yes, well done Dave, appreciate that,
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Post by lancer on Feb 24, 2008 8:56:49 GMT
Cheers mate. Well done!
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Post by stennymuir on Feb 24, 2008 9:01:48 GMT
Cheers ID,korma from me.
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