April 8 2008

Action

It was a big game for Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium on Monday night, and it turned out to be a real thriller, writes Jamesey.

The stakes were high when the Eagles travelled to play the Potters (Apr 7). A win for the Black Country outfit would have put them at the helm of the CCC.

A victory for CPFC would put us back into the top six once more and be an essential platform for a play-offs challenge.

Happily and, in my view, deservedly, the latter scenario prevailed on the night, and we surged back to the number six spot after a 2-1 win in what was a pulsating and greatly entertaining game.

Stoke City are a club with an impressive pedigree. Although they have suffered hard times in recent years they were once a leading force in the old First Division and in the '60s I had the honour of seeing Sir Stanley Matthews play in the red-and-white stripes.

I am sometimes asked by interested young people (with an hour or two to spare) whether a player like Matthews would survive in the modern game. I have to say that any player who could survive some of the studs-up, brutal tackles that defenders were allowed to perpetrate in those days would certainly be able to hold his own. However, no modern defence would give Stan the room to jink and dribble - his trademark tricks.

Two other great players, also England internationals, to grace the Stoke colours were George Eastham and Gordon Banks, the latter being present on Monday to be honoured.

So Stoke City are eager to resume their place in the elite, a place which, like many clubs with a proud tradition, they believe is their true birthright.

To return to the game, I could hardly believe I was watching the same CPFC team as I do at Selhurst. Victor Moses and Scott Sinclair were sensational. Balls were passed, not hoofed, and usually found a Palace player.

Apart from Mamady Sidibe's early header which hit the inside of the post and rolled back parallel with the goal-line, the Eagles defence was resolute.

The second half was a more nervy affair for this viewer and I was extremely grateful for the first half brace of goals from Tom Soares and Jose Fonte.

When the referee, Mark Clattenberg (who had a terrific game in my opinion) gave five minutes' injury time with the score at 2-1, I had a dose of the "Bristol Cities", and could scarcely bear to watch.

But we survived and if we can carry on playing like we did in the first half for the rest of the season's games, the play-offs and a Wembley victory are far from impossible.

On the other hand, if it doesn't happen, then so be it. We have had a great run with Neil Warnock and next season could be even better.

Email Jamesey with your comments to Jevans3704@aol.com

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