JUBILANT O’NEILL HAILS ‘GREAT’ SAM
Clucas at the double to launch new era
NEW Stoke boss Michael O’Neill got off to a flyer as he led the Potters to an impressive victory at relegation rivals Barnsley.
A double from Sam Clucas gave the away side a huge three points to take them off the foot of the Championship table, with Barnsley dropping to bottom place with only one win this season.
It was a dream start for the Northern Ireland coach, who is obviously looking to build on such a bright introduction.
“We had to match their desire – no-one has a God-given right to be in the Championship,” he said.
“I’m obviously delighted with the result. It’s one step in the right direction. It’s very, very pleasing. It was a very good performance.
“Sam (Clucas) had a great performance and they were two great goals. His all-round game is excellent, hopefully the knock isn’t too serious.
“In this third of the season, it is very important to get the three points. We showed a lot of quality today. The key was to make sure we got the result and the performance. They tested us to the max and they deserve a lot of credit for that.”
On the timing of his appointment, O’Neill added: “It’s important for me to finish the campaign with Northern Ireland. The players have given me everything for the last seven/eight years. It was a hard decision, but I thought it was a risk worth taking.”
The opening goal of the contest came within seven minutes. Brad Collins, in the Barnsley goal, passed the ball straight to Clucas, who chipped the ball over the keeper from over 35 yards for his fourth this season.
Stoke doubled their advantage from the penalty spot. After some neat play down the left the ball fell to James McClean who was brought down by Alex Mowatt. Lee Gregory converted nicely, slotting the ball into the bottom left corner.
Two minutes after the interval, Barnsley pulled a goal back when substitute Luke Thomas played the ball through to Cameron McGeehan who smashed it into the top right corner, giving Jack Butland no chance.
The Tykes had the chance to draw the game level. Conor Chaplin went to ground in the area and the ball fell to Mowatt, whose shot glanced wide.
Stoke came close to increasing their lead when Gregory’s shot from six yards out bounced off Collins.
The resulting corner gave Stoke their 3-1 lead. The ball bounced around the area and fell to Joe Allen, who guided the ball into the bottom left corner in the 64th minute.
Three minutes later, Clucas got his second goal of the game, shooting from distance once again, giving Collins no chance.
Barnsley pulled a goal back, after a high through ball found substitute Patrick Schmidt (82), who placed the ball into the bottom corner.
Barnsley caretaker-manager Adam Murray said: “The goals we conceded today are individual errors and that’s the story of our season so far.
“It gets past frustrating and you get a little bit angry with it. The fans do and the players do.
“It’s something I’ve said in the changing room – the players have to start taking responsibility.”