ALEX SMITHIES 7
Partially at fault for opening goal, but produced a stunning penalty save to keep his side in it.
LEANDRO BACUNA 6
Lacked his usual zip and distribution was lacking, but defensively did his job well enough and did well to nulify the threat of James McClean
SEAN MORRISON (C) 8
Where do you start? At the wrong place for the wrong time for the goal. Gave away a penalty. Perhaps defensively not his best performance, but never threw in the towel. That deserves a high mark on its own even before you consider the winning goal.
CURTIS NELSON 7
Another to be partially at fault for the goal, but recovered well alongside Morrison.
JOE BENNETT 6
Struggled to cope with Tyrese Campbell, who had a field day on Stoke's right flank for much of the first half. Improved after the break.
HARRY WILSON 6
Did his best to produce a bit of magic, but couldn't find that bit of quality needed to make something happen. Subbed off with an injury.
JOE RALLS 8 STAR MAN
Couldn't pull the strings in the way he would have liked for much of the first half, but produced two brilliant deliveries for the goals. A fine performance. Subbed.
WILL VAULKS 7
Worked tremendously hard in the middle and offered a threat from the long throw. A decent outling
SHEYI OJO 7
Some neat touches out wide. Linked up nicely with Moore and was a threat for most of the evening.
MARK HARRIS 6
Ran his socks off all night but couldn't ever really get into the game, although he admittedly had very little to feed off. Subbed
KIEFFER MOORE 6
As above. Couldn't bully his man in the way he normally does. Did show some nice touches at times, mind. Subbed late on.
Subs
Robert Glatzel (on for Wilson 61) - Took his goal brilliantly. Provided the spark his team needed. 7
Marlon Pack (on for Ralls 80) - Helped see the game out nicely. 6
Gavin Whyte (on for Harris 80) - Didn't really have enough time to make an impression. 6
Sol Bamba (on for Moore 89) - N/A
