Stoke 3 Brighton 0: Potters heading into the FA Cup quarter-finals as Seagulls are sunk

20 February 2011 10:25
Peter Brezovan's FA Cup dream turned into a nightmare during a shocking first 25 minutes. [LNB]Brezovan, Brighton's 6ft 6instand-in goalkeeper, was cut down to size after allowing the first twogoals to fly in through his flapping arms.[LNB] And his blushes would have beeneven deeper had skipper Gordon Greer not headed off the line after aweak punch allowed Jonathan Walters to chip for goal.[LNB] [LNB] Heady heights: Stoke City's John Carew heads past (left) keeper Peter Brezovan[LNB]Brezovan, 31, has only featured forBrighton in the Cup. After this display, he is not likely to seefirst-team action again this season. [LNB]He could not be blamed when Ryan Shawcross headed the third goal just before half-time. [LNB] Heads we win: Jonathan Walters (left) heads home for Stoke[LNB] [LNB]But by then, Brezovan's big day had become a torment. [LNB]Brighton boss Gus Poyet said: 'Thekeeper could have done better. But he knew what he was coming intohere. You must be at your best going for their crosses and throw-ins.But I'm not going to blame Peter. He has done well for us in thiscompetition. Going for crosses is his strength.[LNB] 'But I remember when I was withTottenham two years ago. We came here and Heurelho Gomes was crying.Here, you have to be perfect. You get kicked, punched, elbowed andkneed. I don't mean illegally. That's just football.' [LNB] Making sure: Ryan Shawcross makes the game safe with the third[LNB]Brighton's undoing started with one of Rory Delap's infamous long throws in the 14th minute. [LNB]John Carew back-headed the ball, which flew between Brezovan's arms and inside the far post. [LNB] King John: Carew celebrates his opener[LNB]MatchFactsSTOKE (4-4-2): Sorensen; Wilson, Shawcross, Huth, Pugh; Pennant (Whitehead 89min), Whelan, Delap, Etherington (Fuller 39); Walters, Carew (Jones 62). Subs (not used): Nash, Higginbotham, Collins, Wilkinson. Booked: Pennant, Wilson. [LNB]BRIGHTON (4-1-3-2): Brezovan; Calderon, Elphick, Greer, Painter; Bridcutt; Bennett, Battipiedi (Caskey 60), Dicker; Murray (Sandaza 61), Barnes (Baz 74). Subs (not used): Ankergren, Holroyd, Taricco, Dunk.[LNB] Referee: H Webb (S Yorkshire).[LNB]Eight minutes later, a header by Walters from Jermaine Pennant's cross flashed between Brezovan's hands. [LNB]Then Greer came to his rescue with his off-the-line clearance.[LNB] But there was no way back for Brighton once Shawcross met Walters's flick-on from a corner with a header.[LNB] Stoke manager Tony Pulis said: 'I want everyone to do me a favour and cross their fingers that we get a home draw. If we get somebody here then, with a little luck, we're only one game from Wembley. I was pleased with my players and just disappointed that it was only 3-0 at half-time.' [LNB] Gudjohnsen could have future at Fulham when loan deal expiresCompetition: Win tickets to see Stoke v West Brom on February 28 - courtesy of BarclaysDes Kelly: This pair of greedy rats are shamed by Wembley ticket hikeAll the latest Stoke City FC news, features and opinion[LNB]  Explore more:People: John Carew, Tony Pulis, Gordon Greer, Ryan Shawcross

Source: Daily_Mail