Adam Mekki scored the only goal of the game as Aldershot beat a Stoke side including Jonathan Woodgate and Thomas Sorensen on Saturday. The friendly was Stoke's last before the first leg of their Europa League qualifier against Hajduk Split on Thursday, but most of Tony Pulis' first-team squad were rested having played against Brentford the previous evening. Woodgate made his bow in Potters colours, however, while Sorensen made his first appearance of the summer following a minor back complaint. Andy Wilkinson and Salif Diao, in central defence, also started, while Mark Wilson and Robert Huth were second-half substitutes, the latter in place of Woodgate shortly after the hour mark. Ryan Shotton, who started up front alongside Tom Soares, hit the post early on but the hosts finished the game by far the stronger and had struck the woodwork themselves before Mekki swept home from close range nine minutes from time. Stoke: Sorensen (Nash 46); Wilkinson, Woodgate (Huth 62), Diao, Dickinson; Marshall (Wilson 62), Arismendi, Pugh, Tonge; Soares (Stambolziev), Shotton. Shotton and Soares up front... Yep, our squad depth is not so great. p.s. Hadjuk Split looked a lot better and they played Barcelona.
Hajduk Split held Barcelona to a scoreless draw on Saturday night in a match celebrating the Croatian club's centenary. With the European champions only commencing pre-season last Monday and Hajduk focused on Thursday's Europa League clash with Stoke City, both sides exercised caution. But that did not deter the 35,000 crowd at the Poljud Stadium, who were in a celebratory mood before, during and after the match. Barca coach Pep Guardiola was satisfied with his team's first outing of the 2011-12 season and paid tribute to the home supporters. "The Hajduk fans were marvellous, perfect, awesome, exciting, there were a lot of people and they were right behind their team," said Guardiola. "But I am happy with my team. It was our first game and we had quite a few players unavailable and we had no injuries, we moved the ball as quick as possible, we played better in the second half and had more possession. "We obviously have to get better but for the first game I am happy because we played with a lot of young players, many of whom were playing their first game. We have to take it step by step and give the young players time. It's a process getting into the first team, you have to be patient and they have to make mistakes and you have to teach them why they made the mistakes and help them find a solution." Hajduk coach Krasimir Balakov was probably even more satisfied with his team's performance. "We played a very good game tactically, they were organised, disciplined and did what I asked of them which was most important," said Balakov. "Barca's the best team in the world and the key was not to lose the game. I think we could have scored but the players almost seemed to have too much respect for them in front of goal. "It was a good test before Stoke, we played with three in midfield and we'll get some information on them before deciding on which players to go with and how we'll line up. But the fans were fantastic, the Torcida are our 12th man and hopefully we can continue to make them happy." It was Barcelona's first game since their famous Wembley triumph and they controlled possession and had the better of the chances despite missing many of their stars. Absent was Lionel Messi and his fellow Copa America team-mates Javier Mascherano, Dani Alves, Gabi Milito and Adriano. Carles Puyol, Gerard Pique, Xavi and Pedro were also missing, nursing slight injuries. Victor Valdes and David Villa started the match alongside Ibrahim Afellay, Thiago and Seydou Keita, while Andres Iniesta Eric Abidal, Jeffren, Sergio Busquets and Maxwell came on at half time when Guardiola changed his entire side. Villa came closest, hitting the post in the 16th minute, but Hajduk gave as good as they got and Marin Tomasov forced Valdes into a good first half save while sub Ivan Vukovic had a second half free kick tipped over by sub Pinto. Iniesta ran amok, providing the visitors with the spark that was lacking in the first half and he created some terrific chances for the attackers. Substitute Jonathan Soriano, one of those getting a rare opportunity, was among those who couldn't capitalise. Hajduk switched from their usual 4-4-2 and reverted to a 4-5-1 sitting a lot deeper, perhaps a sample of what Stoke City can expect in their Europa League first-leg clash at Britannia Stadium on Thursday. Winger Tomasov and versatile new Japanese signing Masahiko Inoha were Hajduk's best, although Balakov also rung the changes with the Stoke match in mind. Australian midfielder Steven Lustica made his debut in the second half and Balakov said he made the biggest impact of the substitutes. Ante Vukusic, who will miss the upcoming FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Colombia and is reportedly a target of Fulham, led the attack for the first half but struggled to penetrate Barca's defence. While some Hajduk fans were fearful of the potent Barcelona heading into the match, Guardiola's attire in some ways reflected the Catalans' on field approach. Dressed in a checked shirt, jeans and sneakers, Guardiola looked like he had taken time out from a summer coastal vacation. He and Balakov shared a warm embrace prior to kick off, but they both know they have bigger fish to fry this season.
i completely agree, i think part of the problem is that were branded quite a physical team, coupled with the fact that alot of people think were long ball. Neither of them qualities will provide the lads with a decent test.
I`ve got to admit,I`m now getting very anxious.no new signings(with no new viable prospective purchases) and obviously NO strength in depth.Why Oh Why is Diao still playing?? I fear our venture into Europe is going to be very brief.,but more worrying is the fact that the `writing was on the wall`at the end of last season and nothing has changed personnel wise.At this rate we may end up as the richest club in the championship next year!!
Was just going to say that meself Joe3, looking highly likely our foray into europe will be brief and painful. I truly hope I'm made to eat me words....but can't see it happening though!.
Hello again Smithers, Well here we go again The gospel according to St Tony The 3 year plan y'know The 3 year plan could well be a Cover for our favourite bookie A cunning plan from the Tic tac toe man To keep his account as full as poss Pay the guys peanuts and Don't give a toss Somebody said and it is quite possible If in the Championship we should be Peter will be quids in QED
