City History | Bluebirds vs. Stoke City
Ahead of Saturday's fixture against the Potters, we take a look at City's most recent trip to the bet365 Stadium...
It was a night to remember for skipper Sean Morrison when the Bluebirds last travelled to face Stoke City. On a Tuesday night in early December 2020, City arrived in Stoke having won their last three matches, against Luton Town, Huddersfield Town and Watford.
It was a scrappy encounter in the opening half, and a scrappy opening goal came in the 25th minute, with the hosts taking the advantage. Tyrese Campbell broke into the box and put in a powerful cross that ended up in the back of the net off the legs of Morrison.
Michael O'Neill's side had two big chances to increase their advantage early in the second half. James McClean's corner was headed against the crossbar by Wales international James Chester after 50 minutes, before Morrison's evening looked to be taking a further downturn when he was penalised for a challenge on Nick Powell in the penalty box.
Despite the protests from the City players after what looked like a soft decision, Stoke substitute Sam Vokes was given the chance to net from the penalty, but he was denied a goal thanks to a brilliant save from Alex Smithies.
The hosts regretted their missed chances even more so in the following minutes, as City levelled shortly afterwards. Joe Ralls' corner kick was cleared, but recycled back to the No.8. His second cross to the back post flew over all but landed at the feet of substitute Robert Glatzel, who controlled superbly before smashing into the top corner.
The Bluebirds were on the front foot after equalising - and took the lead ten minutes later. Ralls again putting in a brilliant ball, this time from a corner, with Morrison turning his evening around expertly, burying his header into the net.
In an eventful evening for the captain, Morrison's header proved the last goal of the encounter, as City overturned a lead to earn another away victory.
Having made an all-important penalty save in the second half, Alex Smithies spoke after the final whistle blew:
"It wasn’t a great game of football but any means necessary to get the win," Alex started. "It wasn’t a very nice night. You come to Stoke away and it was windy and wet. Everything you expect, really!
"It’s always nice to make a save like that, but it is just another save really. It wasn’t a great penalty thankfully but you’ve got to keep them out. I think that took the wind out of their sails and gave us a lift."
