Crouch back with bang
PETER CROUCH scored his first goal of the season as Stoke booked their place in the fourth round of the Capital One Cup with a hard-fought win over Championship Fulham. Crouch’s goal was a rare highlight in a game that otherwise lacked quality and excitement. Mark Hughes made eight changes from the side who drew 2-2 with Leicester at the weekend but was still able to see his side earn their first win inside 90 minutes this season. Fulham, who have had a mixed start to the Championship season, had more of the ball in the opening 20 minutes without creating any clear chances and it was Stoke striker Peter Odemwingie who had the first attempt on goal. Stephen Ireland and Crouch combined well on the edge of the area to set up Odemwingie, who fired just wide of the left post. That chance seemed to spark the game to life and Ben Pringle released Ross McCormack down the left wing and he whipped in a cross for Cauley Woodrow, who was unable to keep his header on target under pressure from Philipp Wollscheid. Stoke’s class finally told when they took the lead just after the half-hour mark through the former England striker. Crouch picked up the ball midway inside the Fulham half and played a neat one-two with Odemwingie before going through to slot the ball past Joe Lewis. Fulham did their best to get back into the game at the start of the second half, with a shot from distance from Pringle and a McCormack free kick that deflected off the wall. The home side grew in confidence. Pringle fired in a low cross but McCormack was unable to make any real contact with the ball and Shay Given collected. And then Ryan Tunnicliffe headed the ball into the path of fellow substitute Moussa Dembele, but the striker fired over the bar. Fulham pressed to the final whistle, with defender Dan Burn hitting the bar in stoppage time, but Hughes’ side hung on and will hope a cup run can kick-start their season.