SILVA SLUMP AS BROWN FIRES STOKE

STOKE newcomer Jacob Brown dumped Wolves out after the hosts’ record signing Fabio Silva missed a sitter on his debut.

The Potters will host League One Gillingham next week after Brown struck in the 86th minute.

John Ruddy got a hand to his curling right- foot finish but could not keep it out.

It left Premier League Wolves redfaced after £ 35million striker Silva, 18, blew a 75th- minute chance.

The miss added to home boss Nuno Espirito Santo’s problems after omitting Diogo Jota, who was thought to have left Molineux abruptly.

Nuno, who called on his other big guns late in the day, said: “Fabio had a couple of moments in the box. Next time he will try to be more accurate.

“Diogo was not available. He wasn’t on the squad list. We have to take care of the players, it was a quick turnaround.”

Silva, signed from Porto, linked play promisingly and showed nice touches.

But his finishing was wayward as Wolves dominated.

Stoke forced Ruddy into his first save after 53 minutes when Harry

Souttar met Jordan Thompson’s corner.

Silva should have broken the deadlock in the 74th minute but stabbed a close- range shot wide at the back post.

Brown, who joined Stoke this month from Barnsley, was more clinical from substitute Steven Fletcher’s pass.

Silva had another chance but shot over on his left foot this time.

Potters boss Michael O’Neill said: “It was a great result for us.

“There are a lot of positives from tonight.”

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