Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
ALLEN BLUNTS THE BLADES
Wales star rescues Potters with a late leveller
JOE ALLEN denied Sheffield a return to the top with a late equaliser.
Chris Wilder’s men were heading back to the Championship summit after Leon Clarke muscled in a second-half close-range strike.
But Wales star Allen struck a brilliant free-kick around the home wall in the 88th minute.
It was a night of frustration for the Blades, who could not convert their superiority into a fifth win in six games.
Wilder’s men are mounting another crack at promotion, based on a solid defence, but lacked a killer punch.
They built up a head of steam, missing chances before powerhouse Clarke broke the deadlock in the 70th minute.
The journeyman’s goals played a big part in United’s surge last season, but this was his first of this campaign.
The 33-year-old, who has had 20 moves in his career, burst through the middle with
Bruno Martins Indi booked for the foul.
Ollie Norwood hit the bar from the resulting free kick and Clarke smashed home the rebound.
Stoke mounted a spirited fightback, with sub Peter Crouch introduced and causing uncertainty.
They are not the first relegated side to struggle in the relentless combat of the Championship.
Boss Gary Rowett was banned from the touchline six hours before kick-off after admitting a misconduct charge for losing his rag in Saturday’s defeat by Birmingham.
He has an array of proven talent to call on. How come Allen, Ashley Williams, Saido Berahino and James Mcclean are not doing better down a division?
It is a punishing transition and players have to step up more than they showed here. Tom Ince could not hide his frustration at the lack of passes available.
This was a missed opportunity for United, but they will remain in the hunt, even if home fans left disgruntled.
Stoke will take heart from a barely merited comeback.