English Premiership
Stoke pinch a point off Saints
2012-12-29 20:04
Stoke - A last-minute goal from Cameron Jerome allowed Stoke City to take
their unbeaten run to 10 games following a pulsating 3-3 draw with Southampton
at the Britannia Stadium.
Jerome had barely had time to vent his frustration at an effort being ruled
out for offside when he buried a sumptuous 90th-minute strike.
Peter Crouch almost won it with a header but in the event neither side
deserved to lose.
The welter of goals began when Saints, in the bottom three following promotion,
took a 10th-minute lead against rivals sitting in the top eight after some
impressive showings this term - including last week's win over Liverpool.
VIDEO: Stoke v Southampton
Guly do Prado cut in from the left and found Rickie Lambert, who fired home
his eighth goal of the season.
Kenwyne Jones, who had already missed a sitter, flicked in a neat equaliser
on 16 minutes following a Ryan Shotton cross.
But Lambert then turned provider to set up Jay Rodriguez for a simple tap in
on 24 minutes with the home defence all at sea.
And nine minutes before the break it was 3-1 as Andy Wilkinson turned the
ball into his own net after Jason Puncheon's cross created confusion.
Defender Matthew Upson pulled one back for Stoke midway through the second
half before Jerome came up with his blistering leveller.
Prior to Upson's goal, Wilkinson collided with colleague Robert Huth,
leaving the German bloodied.
Stoke were then furious at not being awarded a penalty as Jones went up
against Jose Fonte, who appeared to impede the striker as he went for a header.
The drama didn't end there as, no sooner had the Potters hauled themselves
back into the game through Upson, the hosts found themselves down to 10 men as
referee Mark Clattenburg red carded Steven Nzonzi for a foul on Jack Cork.
Jerome's 20-metre piledriver ensured Stoke remain unbeaten at home since
February after denying Saints their second away win this season following a
success at bottom side Queens Park Rangers.