EDWARDS IS PRAYING FOR TOP OF POTS

IPSWICH

Keane 90

STOKE

Mcclean 42 TOM EDWARDS is the first to admit Stoke should not be languishing towards the bottom end of the Championship.

The young full-back has established himself in the Potters’ first team but a hoped-for promotion challenge after relegation from the Premier League has failed to materialise.

And a change of manager, with Nathan Jones replacing Gary Rowett last month, has yet to turn the tide. He has only led his team to one win from his eight games in charge and there are rumblings of dressing-room discontent.

They should have had this one wrapped up at half-time but Tom Ince and new signing Sam Vokes missed decent chances.

All they had to show for their superiority was James Mcclean’s goal – and that was gift-wrapped courtesy of the home defence.

Just when it seemed they were going to record their first win in five games up popped Will Keane to grab a stoppage-time equaliser for rock-bottom Ipswich.

Edwards, (above, receiving treatment), said: “With the quality we have it is frustrating to be in the position we are.

“For 90 minutes we played very well so to concede right at the death was hard to take. It was quite upsetting.”

Ipswich’s celebrations were understandable given their position nine points from safety.

Midfielder Teddy Bishop, back to full fitness after an injuryplagued few years, had something to celebrate, said: “That’s the first time I have made back-to-back starts since 2016.

“We all believe and will keep fighting to get out of this mess.”