Wow! What a great way to watch it all unfold. Courtesy of some generous business contacts, I got to watch both matches at once and once the match playing out infront of us had finished at 2-2 - we turned to watch the plasma in the box playing out the final twist. I can honestly say that it's the only time I have ever leapt about when QPR have conceded - delighted to see Man City put one over Ferguson. It couldn't have turned out better! Bolton were very very poor for the first 25 minutes, giving the ball back to a Stoke side that looked toothless themselves. When Stoke took the lead, they gave the Bolton fans a 'we're Stoke City and we're sending you down!'. The game then ran out of pace and for some reason Chris Eagles started to find huge areas of space in their midfield. To say the goals were a fluke is an understatement - the first - a booming clearance by the Stoke defender that pinball-like smashed back off a Bolton block and flew into the net. The second was a cross that some how Thomas Sorensen misjudged. There was a disbelief to find the ball in the net. Half time, Stoke were booed off but found a bit more guile in the second half; their game plan revolving around breaking from the flanks coupled with good old fashioned long balls up to Crouch. I thought I was seeing things when I turned to glance at the screen to spot that QPR were 1-1 and then 2-1. Word soon spread and the Bolton fans started singing Blue Moon - their only hope staying up with QPR ahead. Then finally the Stoke pressure told and Crouch was hooked back 3 yards out having dummied the Bolton keeper. I shouldn't have been surprised, as Chris Hoy bottled every decision today, when he walked up to the Bolton keeper and didn't even book him for the cynical professional foul as Crouchy was about to roll the ball into the net. Come on Walters - put this in!! The sense of relief was huge when the net rocked and Stoke had done their job..... well almost! We were celebrating the third goal when someone mentioned that it was offside, so a few nervous minutes, but Bolton couldn't apply the finishing touch. I have to say the Stoke fans seemed just as happy to send them down too, and a bit of handbags for 20 minutes or so at the end as they squared up across the seat dividers with stewards earning their £50 by keeping them apart. I have to say the Britannia is very good, great location and excellent parking - the corporate side was superb too. Looking forward to going there next season; and the next time I hope I'm going away without seeing QPR concede any last minute goals. I certainly won't be celebrating them.
Wow, what a great day. Were there QPR fans visible in the stadium? I understand that a number were going.
Apart from my hosts in the box, I kept my QPR aligences discreet. I looked out, but to be honest, it was a sea of red and white, and I guess those other Rs at the Britannia did the same as me and kept to neutral colours whilst urging Stoke on.
Probably wise, but I did have this vision of a blue and white enclave some in the stadium. However from the specimens we saw at LR last week that would have been the wise choice.
SouthCoastRanger - did you wear your pink shirt? http://www.not606.com/showthread.ph...eh-away-match-so-going-to-Stoke-instead/page2
Good report Sku, I'm glad that the alternative to the Etihad proved fruitful. I couldn't do it. ( Still gutted that we didn't win though. )
Sku Pleased to hear that you enjoyed your'e trip to the Britannia Stadium. I didn't even know that Citeh had won until I got to my car.. twas squeaky bum time indeedy. See you next season.
I reckon the match finished at the point we were 2-1 up, and we literally conceded as we turned to return to the box, City making it 2-2 either just on or just after the final whistle at the Britannia.
I was watching both (on two separate screens at home) at the Stoke game ended a considerable time before the QPR game. Before both City goals I think. Coincidence? I'm not overly sure.
Must have been a party on the way back! I been on a huge one here tonight! A great day - another season in the box. A huge and possibly Club saving achievement. Thanks Colin, thanks Sparky, thanks TF, thanks to all the players, thanks to all the back room staff, trainers, and thanks to all the fanatastic support. Many times today I could only hear R's singing at the Ethiad!
Thanks Pottermouth; I have to say I was very impressed with the whole setup at Stoke. My hosts are genuine local fans who have worked hard developing a local manufacturing business and have had a box since the stadium was first opened. Real Stoke guys and very kind to accept my cheeky request. Looking forward to coming back next year.
Thanks for that Nines. I knew it would be a great day, though at half time I was a bit subdued to say the least. In hindsight it was a great way to see it all unfold, especially as I'd missed out on tickets at the Etihad.
