Match Report for Stoke 3-0 BHA

Last updated : 06 November 2005 By FootyMad
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After claiming some much needed points during midweek, Stoke City fought hard to claim their first back-to-back wins since the end of September against struggling Brighton.

Frutos proved to be a thorn in City's side with several first-half free-kicks being whipped in viciously to keep Simonsen on his toes.

His best effort arrived in the 20th minute from open play, when he stuck a thunderous 25-yard volley that the goalkeeper found too hot to handle, resulting in him conceding a corner.

The Potters broke the deadlock in the 35th minute when Paul Gallagher's incisive pass between allowed Sam Bangoura a shot which he took confidently, placing it underneath Alan Blayney.

Things became slightly more heated before the break when a foul on Seb Carole caused Mark McGhee to storm to the touchline, but a showdown with City skipper Michael Duberry soon calmed the Scot.

Gallagher continued to get closer to a goal and four minutes later his quick free-kick beat Blayney but not his crossbar, bouncing out to give Brighton the chance to clear.

Stoke added a second in the 68th minute when the Seagulls failed to clear a Lewis Buxton cross, giving Mamady Sidibe the chance to shoot from close-range - but it was Darel Russell's follow up that bagged the goal.

The Potters finished the job in the 75th minute with contract rebel John Halls providing a pinpoint cross for Bangoura, whose header found the bottom left corner of Blayney's net.