Stoke managed to overcome their considerable fatigue and a slow start to avoid too much of an upset as they drew with Premier League new boys Norwich City on a sunny Sunday afternoon in East Anglia.

Stoke survived a second half onslaught as they kept Andres Villa-Boas’ Chelsea at bay and despite losing Etherington and Delap to injury managed to claim their first point of the season.

Stoke ensured their European adventure continued as local lad Ryan Shotton helped seal the victory at the death on a hot and hostile evening in Split.

Stoke welcomed European opposition for the first time at the Britannia on an historical evening in the Potteries and despite having very little pre season behind them, went on to record a creditable 1-0 victory.