U23 Report: Stoke 4-1 Saints

A hat-trick from Gabriel Kyeremateng, alongside a sealer courtesy of Andre Godfrinne following a Jacob Maddox consolation, sealed a tough result for Saints.

Stoke got off to a flying start as the clouds began to form above Clayton Wood training ground, taking the lead after just five minutes.

Kyeremateng beat the offside trap, much to the surprise of most of the Saints backline, before firing past Jack Bycroft with an emphatic close-range finish.

With the rain starting to come down Saints looked to respond; Pascal Kpohomouh forcing Potters keeper Blondy Nna Noukeu into a fine save just shy of the ten minute mark.


But things went from bad to worse for the visitors, with Andre Godfrinne being bought down in the box by Bycroft after 17 minutes.

Kyeremateng stepped up and got his and his side’s second of the afternoon, forcing the keeper the wrong way.

Saints strived for a way back into the game; Dan N’Lundulu being fouled just outside the box in the 32nd minute as Horseman’s side looked to press, but eventually shooting into the wall.

The visitors continued to press; N’Lundulu and Chauke both having efforts blocked inside the box with less than ten minutes to go before the break.

For the remainder of the half Saints piled on the pressure but lacked the end product; Allan Tchaptchet having his header cleared off the line on the stroke of half-time.

Unfortunately for Saints, the second half started much like the first ended; Kyeremateng again involved latching onto the end of an exquisite through ball from Jake Dunwoody.

Bycroft did well to make himself big and deny the Stoke striker’s first effort, but could do nothing to prevent the rebound hitting the back of the net; a cruel start to the half for Horseman’s side.

Looking for quick response Saints came forward once more; Jacob Maddox hitting a free-kick towards goal which had to be tipped over by Stoke keeper Nna Noukeu.

Saints soon got their reward for the consistent pressure; Maddox making a mazy run through the heart of the Stoke defence, before neatly finishing past the keeper to give the visitors a foothold in the game.

Buoyed by their goal the pressure kept coming, substitute Zuriel Otseh-Taiwo put in a deep cross which Kegs Chauke came within inches of connecting with at the back post as the hour mark approached.

But despite the possession, it was Stoke who got the next goal of the game; Godfrinne converting from inside the box after a quick break from the hosts with just under 20 minutes to go.

Stoke managed to contain Saints for the remainder of the half; Enzo Robise and Maddox having the only real chances for Saints with fierce efforts hit narrowly wide as the game drew to a close.

Defeat for Saints meant it was the end of the road in the Premier League Cup for the visitors.

Their attentions now return to Premier League 2 on the 2nd of March, with the visit of Leicester City to Staplewood Campus.