Thursday, August 25, 2011

Stoke 4 FC Thun 1 (5-1 on agg): Kenwyne Jones Helps Stoke Complete Swiss Stroll

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Kenwyne Jones collected two goals in a routine canter for Stoke that secured their qualification for the Europa League group stages.

Two headers from Jones, a rare Matthew Upson goal and Glenn Whelan's deflected drive earned Stoke their third victory in the competition as a desperately poor FC Thun were easily swatted aside.

The Swiss league leaders did register a consolation through substitute Andreas Wittwer but Tony Pulis cannot have envisaged such a simple, stress-free evening.

Pulis will now face an extra six matches this season ahead of Friday's draw and is set to press ahead with his mission to bring in new signings before the transfer deadline.


THE GOALS:
25 mins
- Upson powerfully heads home a Jermaine Pennant corner to put Stoke in control
30 mins - Jones dives to head another inch perfect Pennant cross past Dragan Djukic
37 mins - Whelan loops in a deflected shot from 20 yards to kill off the tie
71 mins - Jones nods in a Tom Soares cross from close range
77 mins - Thun substitute Wittwer bundles the ball in to give the visitors a consolation

OTHER HIGHLIGHTS:
23 mins
- Jones sends a header wide from a Pennant cross
69 mins - Dean Whitehead shoots straight at Djukic

REACTION
Stoke manager Pulis praised his players for showing no complacency:
"We had everything to lose and nothing to gain but when you see Celtic got knocked out by a Swiss team that are below Thun it shows you how well our players have done.

"The attitude was fantastic and they've embraced it. It was important we didn't give them a leg-up, that would have made it a difficult game for us. But we got the goals at the right time and we were able to give players a rest in the second half."

On the competition:
"It's the first time in our history we've ever done this so it's lovely for us and the supporters who have backed us so magnificently over the last four years.

"Hopefully we will pull two big teams out of the hat and play them at the Britannia because the place will be absolutely special if we do that."

On the search for new players:
"We are looking to bring players in and improve the group. We want to improve the XI and that's what is difficult for us. We're looking for players to go straight into the team and bring the level up again and push the current players on.

"We're working at it day after day and want to bring in another four or five. People are getting nervous we haven't brought anybody in but we've got to get on with it. We're working hard behind the scenes but if we don't get anybody else in we'll just keep going."

WHAT IT MEANS:
Qualification for the group stages of the Europa League was secured with ease and few teams will relish the prospect of a visit to this unforgiving venue when the draw is made on Friday.

Stoke will now face at least an extra six games this season and while Pulis admits the competition will prove a burden to his skeleton squad the portents are promising for his team to write another glorious chapter into their recent history.

They have to wait 37 years for a taste of European competition but Stoke look well at home after their third victory in the competition so far.

 

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Source: http://www.fanhouse.co.uk/2011/08/25/stoke-4-fc-thun-1-5-1-on-agg-kenwyne-jones-helps-stoke-comple/

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