POTTERS HELD BY BATTLING BLUES

Blues fought back from behind to gain a creditable draw with Stoke City's Under 23 side at Harrison Park.

The Potters provided a much sterner test in Neil Baker's first friendly at Harrison Park but his side proved they were up to the test.

Only two players started from those which began the game at Abbey Hulton, namely goalkeeper Ben Chapman and midfielder Niall Maguire.

The rest of the starting line-up was composed of those who started on the bench on Thursday plus a couple of trialists.

Stoke controlled the possession early on and Blues found it difficult to get much of the ball and it was no surprise when the visitors went ahead in the 10th minute when Tyrese Campbell curled a shot beyond the reach of Ben Chapman.

The Potters continued to call the tune and Chapman was called into action to make a couple of more saves, whilst at the other end Blues struggled to create much of an attacking threat.

Jordan Johnson had the one chance of the first half when he broke through down the right only to be thwarted by the onrushing goalkeeper.

City made a host of substitutions at the break and Blues despite making some changes worked their way into the game.

Sam Grimshaw immediately tested the keeper after coming on and Town got a deserved equaliser when sub Tim Grice (pictured)headed home a cross from the right.

So another good performance from Baker's boys who showed that they could dig in against a technically superior side and fight back to claim a 1-1 draw.

Team: Chapman, Green, Trialist, Grocott, Curley, Ricketts, Maguire, Blake, Budrys, Johnson, Stevenson

Used Subs: Shelley, Grimshaw, Baker, Grice, Beaumont

Attendance: 270