Match Report

Stuttering Stoke City recovered from an early setback to ensure they didn't become a giant-killing victim at the hands of battling York City.

Neil Barrett headed the Blue Square Premier League side into a shock lead, but there was to be no fairytale ending as their Premier League hosts were in front just three minutes later.

Stoke boss Tony Pulis selected a strong squad, with only skipper Abdoulaye Faye rested and Ryan Shawcross absent through suspension.

The game kicked off 30 minutes late after York's team coach was delayed because of severe weather conditions on the M6.

And the visitors were almost caught cold when Ricardo Fuller outstripped James Meredith to force a corner off the retreating Luke Graham.

But York were cheered on by 5,000 travelling fans and they were soon fighting for every ball in the freezing conditions.

Michael Rankine tried his luck from distance as Stoke backed off and 18-goal leading scorer Richard Brodie was clearly out to make an impression.

And the visitors were briefly in dreamland in the 22nd minute when Alex Lawless swung over a free-kick from the left and a glancing header from Barrett sent the ball flashing inside the far post.

But Stoke were soon in the ascendancy as trademark long throws by Rory Delap led to goals in the 24th and 25th minutes.

Under-pressure York skipper Danny Parslow fired the ball into the roof of his own net from Delap's first delivery, with Fuller heading in the second after Leon Cort's initial attempt was blocked.

York battled gamely to reach the break without further damage as Stoke continued to perform only in fits and starts.

The opening stages of the second half were incredibly scrappy until Robert Huth's header from Matty Etherington's corner forced a fine reflex save from Michael Ingham.

And it took a top-quality finish by Etherington to finally put Stoke in the comfort zone in the 58th minute.

Fuller was fouled 20 yards from goal by Meredith and Etherington curled a stunning free-kick around the defensive wall and into the top right-hand corner of the motionless Ingham's net.

Stoke were in cruise control after that but York certainly didn't disgrace themselves and will pick up a handsome cheque from an attendance of 15,586.

Corners

Fouls

Goal attempts

Shots off target

Offsides