Stoke City U-23’s earn a point at Clayton Wood
By Daniel Garza
After a 3-0 win mid-week in the Staffordshire Senior Cup, the Stoke City U-23 side returned to action against the Wolverhampton Wanders.
For the second time this week the U-23’s were in action, as they continue their journey in the Premier League 2. They hosted Wolverhampton at Clayton Wood for a mid-afternoon match on Friday. In the end, two first half goals saw the match end 1-1, as Julien N’Goy scored the equaliser for Stoke.
How it Happened
Both sides saw chances come in the opening 20 minutes of the match, with the first goal being scored in the 21st minute as Dan Armstrong tucked home a rebound for Wolverhampton to give the away side the early advantage. Harry Isted did well to save the initial shot but could not stop the second attempt.
Just a few minutes later, Stoke were right back in the match, Eddy Lecygne played a ball to N’Goy who fired home for the equaliser. The Belgian has scored in three of his last five appearances for the U-23 side.
24- GOAL! City respond immediately to draw level. Julien N'Goy smartly controls Eddy Lecygne's pass before firing home. 1-1
— Stoke City FC (@stokecity) March 17, 2017
In the second half, Isted did well to keep the score at 1-1 and Jack Devlin was unlucky not to score the winner as he blasted a shot from close range over the crossbar.
After Friday’s result, Stoke are 11th in the second group of the Premier League 2. They have drawn four of their last five matches and have recorded the most draws in group two.
On a positive note, N’Goy’s goal gives him seven on the season, which puts him seventh in the top scorers list for the league.
Up next, the U-23’s will host Edmonton FC of the North American Soccer League on Tuesday for a friendly match, as the Canadian club prepares for their upcoming season. The next Premier League 2 match is slated for April 10 against Brighton & Hove Albion.