Joe caps Potters’ show of strength
DELIGHTED Stoke boss Michael O’Neill hailed the resilience of his battling side as they eased their relegation fears with a much-needed win.
A cruel 25th-minute own goal from Callum Paterson and Joe Allen’s first goal for two months secured three priceless points against play-off chasers Cardiff.
Victory was also the Potters’ first league win over the Bluebirds for 12 years and saw them climb two places in the Championship table.
“I thought we showed a lot of resilience,” said O’Neill. “That’s probably something that has been questioned this season.
“We are still in a precarious position but that’s been the case since I came in. The league table looks better but equally we’re well aware of our position.”
Tyrese Campbell nearly fired the hosts ahead in the sixth minute and winger Tom Ince went agonisingly close with a left-foot firecracker.
The deadlock was broken when Cardiff failed to deal with Jordan Thompson’s inswinging corner. The ball struck Paterson on the back and flew into his own net.
Second-half Stoke pressure paid off when Campbell had two shots smothered by the keeper but the ball broke loose and Allen gladly poked home for his first goal since December last year.
Cardiff boss Neil Harris said: “It’s hugely disappointing, from the first whistle to the last.
“We missed that little bit of spark. We have to make sure this is a blip and we bounce back.”
CHRIS WILDER was asked to do a Premier League fan questionnaire as he sneaked into Bramall Lane unrecognised yesterday.
The United boss jogged 30 minutes to work, as he often does, wrapped up in a woolly hat and looking like any old punter.
“I ran to clear my head at a slow pace and was asked if I’d like to take part in a survey,” said the Blades boss. “I had a peek at the lad.
“He didn’t recognise me.
“I’d got my top up and bobble hat on. He thought I was a fan.
“It was quite funny, asking the manager of Sheffield United – of the Premier League – if I’d take part in a Premier League survey about his experiences in the Premier League.”
It’s the sort of incident that makes Sheffield United special.
A dose of down-to-earth, unpretentious reality in a Premier League of hype.
Where else could that happen to one of the managers of the year? This was a draw that took United to the traditional relegation-swerving landmark of 40 points.
Ambitions have been reassessed. Europe? Champions League? Both are possible.
But this was a workmanlike display that lacked creative spark against resilient opponents.
Shefield United are riding a wave of optimism.
But the powerhouse football that has shot them to the brink of European qualification was cancelled out by solid Brighton in a hard-fought clash.
After a week digesting the prospect of challenging for Champions
League qualification, United took a 27th-minute lead.
But they could not cash in on their advantage and Neal Maupay levelled immediately for the visitors.
Had Wilder taken the questionnaire after the match he’d be forgiven for showing mild dissatisfaction.
But instead the boyhood Blades fans was upbeat.
Wilder said: “Just a very slight tinge of disappointment.
“The players could not have given any more. The drive was brilliant out there.
“Brighton changed their approach. They went longer and bigger and we