Eurosport - Sat, 29 Nov 19:35:00 2008
Stoke and Hull shared the points in a pulsating Premier League encounter at the Britannia Stadium which ended 1-1.
Stoke had the majority of possession throughout, but Hull always looked a threat, despite Marlon King playing as a lone striker for the Tigers.
It was King who broke the deadlock on the stroke of half-time, with a sharp swivel and shot from inside the Stoke area which beat Thomas Sorensen to stun the hosts.
But Stoke were not deterred and came back full of fervour and intensity in the second half, creating numerous chances, primarily from the hands of Rory Delap.
It took a dubious tumble from Fuller to regain parity for the Potters, however, when the striker charged into the box and drew a challenge from Boaz Myhill which sent the Jamaican sprawled on the floor.
After picking himself up gingerly, Fuller dispatched the resultant spot-kick, although Myhill managed to get his fingertips to the ball before picking it out of his net.
Earlier, both sides had begun tentatively, clearly heedful of the importance of not conceding early on in a fixture which would have been pinpointed as crucial at the start of the campaign.
Indeed, it wasn't until the half hour mark that the first clear-cut chance was created; Mamady Sidibe powered his way to the byline and squared the ball back to Fuller who could only scuff his shot wide under pressure from the presence of Michael Turner.
In one comical moment at the end of the first half, Dean Windass was booked by referee Keith Stroud for intentionally impeding a Delap throw-in as he was warming up. The derision of the home fans did not help the veteran striker's cause as he unsuccessfully attempted to persuade Phil Brown to introduce him into the action.
The best second half chances fell to Stoke, with Delap sliding agonisingly close to tapping-in substitute Michael Tonge's cross, after Fuller brought a fine save from Myhill with a powerful header from close-range.
The return of Stoke's top-scorer was significant as he represented Tony Pulis's side's most potent attacking threat, while providing a pacey outlet, of which the Potters exploited throughout.
But a draw was perhaps a fair reflection of a match which was full of honest endeavour and unrelenting effort from players only lacking a clinical touch of quality to apply the decisive finish.
Comment 1 - 8 of 8
i hate these ppl who say we are 1 trick ponys . if you had delap in your squad you would use it.
we battle hard every game we defend our hearts out every game so why shouldnt we use delaps throw ins . they are just like taking corners or free kicks so whats the difference . if any team had a weapon they would use it .
pompey for insatnce ( cross it high so lanky can nut it in ) isnt that a weapon using his height ? personally i think we use it well and it isnt our fault yer cant defend from it is it
to stevea, stoke are not cheats and fuller did not dive as was clearly shown contact was made. are you ahull fan or just a @#$% who's a glory hunter ( eg. manc @@@@ @#$% utd.) cmon you mighty mighty riproaring potters
The Home side inveriably wins a 50/50 decision from the Ref! C`mon Tigers!
Probably a fair result, not a pretty game to watch a bit dour, neither side excelled, only highlight was Dean Windass antics, to distract Delap throw ins ,lighten the atmosphere. Referee was very poor missed alot players sussed him out and pulled wool etc
best dive for a penalty all season, send the cheating team back down if thats what they have to do to stay in premier league. HULL PLAYED BETTER FOOTBALL
Good start from stoke, but the "one trick pony's" will be back down next season.
stoke ain't half working hard, goooorrrrnnn
brilliant
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