Did it deliver?
The billing was modest and the match matched it: Stoke were comfortably the better side, but Preston offered no threat, so the contest was largely one-way. It was solid and professional rather than gripping.
Stoke City controlled this Championship fixture from the start, with 60% possession, 18 shots to 3, and 9 corners. Their pressure through the first half produced a succession of set pieces, and Ben Wilmot finally converted at 29′ from a Jack McGlynn assist. Shortly after the break McGlynn added the second, finishing from a Ethan Galbraith assist after Graham Luke had struck the post and El Hadji Soumare had missed in a scramble. Preston finished with no shots on target and 4 big chances for Stoke went unconverted, so the margin flattered the visitors. The result gives Stoke a comfortable home win and some momentum, while Preston, who were passive and error-prone (68% pass accuracy), must find a cutting edge quickly.
Stoke City
Preston North End
Stoke City•AttackerCorner awarded.
Corner awarded.
Graham Luke takes a left-footed shot, but it is blocked.
Justin Devenny takes a right-footed shot, but it's saved.
Ethan Galbraith takes a right-footed shot, but it is blocked.
Corner awarded.
Johny Kenny takes a left-footed shot, but it's blocked.
Ethan GalbraithYellow CardEthan Galbraith receives a yellow card.
On comes George Hirst, off goes Robert Bozenik.
Junior Tchamadeu is on, and Luca Bombino is off.
Robert Bozenik takes a right-footed shot but misses.
Corner awarded.
Corner awarded.
Robert Bozenik takes a right-footed shot, but it is saved.
Corner awarded.
Jusef Erabi comes on for Callum Lang.
On comes Andy Moran, off goes Delano Burgzorg.
Corner awarded.
Offside.
Jack McGlynnJack McGlynn takes a left-footed shot and scores.
assist: Ethan Galbraith
Goal! Jack McGlynn scores to make it 2-0, assisted by Ethan Galbraith.
El Hadji Soumare takes a right-footed shot but misses.
Graham Luke takes a shot, but it hits the post.
Corner awarded.
Robert Bozenik takes a right-footed shot, but it's blocked.
Offside.
Corner awarded.
On comes Thierry Small, off goes Brad Potts.
Jack McGlynn takes a left-footed shot, but it misses the target.
First half ends with a score of 1-0.
Corner awarded.
Corner awarded.
Johny Kenny attempts a header but misses the shot.
Luca Bombino receives a yellow card.
Corner awarded.
Corner awarded.
Corner awarded.
Jack McGlynn takes a left-footed shot, but it is saved.
Offside.
Ben WilmotBen Wilmot takes a shot with his head and scores a goal.
assist: Jack McGlynn
Goal! Ben Wilmot scores to make it 1-0, assisted by Jack McGlynn.
Corner awarded.
Corner awarded.
Jordan Thompson takes a left-footed shot, but it is blocked.
Ben Johnson takes a left-footed shot but misses.
Brad PottsYellow CardBrad Potts receives a yellow card.
Kick-off! The referee is Adam Herczeg.
