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.

History in the making... © Gareth Copley/Getty Images Europe

It could have been an even bigger margin had the players had a bit more match fitness as we battered our Croatian counterparts throughout. I was very happy with the line up, it was certainly our strongest available but as I glanced at the bench, our complete and utter lack of options spoke volumes, which is something that really needs to be addressed by the 14th August.

Below are the main talking points as I saw them;

Tactics – We seem to have picked up from where we were at the end of the season, whilst there is more interplay at the back, the ball now moves between 3 or 4 players but with no territorial advantage, if it goes to Whelan it comes straight back to Shawcross or Huth before being thwacked up to Kenwyne. I’m not sure if it is the fact that our midfield is uncomfortable on the ball or whether they have no options available due to our shape but it was very predictable. That said, Hajduk’s marking was interesting to say the least, often leaving Walters and Jones to win the headers, instead dropping off behind, this worked for us to an extent though some of Jones’ play wasn’t his best.

Then there was the long throw, this really seemed to cause them problems, in fact, all the balls that went into the box from corners/throws/crosses seemed to cause them problems and hopefully with a fitter side on Thursday we will give them more of the same and get that elusive away goal. The fact their Manager, Balakov, has criticised the throw ins only serves to encourage more of the same whilst also making Pulis’ job that much easier too – I love it!

Fitness – Despite a good start when in possession, almost all to a man hit a brick wall around the hour mark, they were absolutely shattered and I’m glad we already had our goal as I couldn’t see us scoring again. Jones stopped jumping for balls, Matty had a great ball put ten yards ahead of him which he gave up on without even attempting a sprint, they just ran out of steam so to keep a clean sheet against a side that were much fitter on the night was a credit to the lads and will stand us in good stead come the return fixture.

Wilkinson – I’ve criticised Wilko in the past so it’s only fair I praise him where appropriate and for me he was our Man of the Match, snapping at the heels of the opposition, winning possession back, he was everywhere and really impressed me. His passing is still suspect but he is growing as a player, we just need to see some more of the same away from the Britannia, though that said, the pitch was larger than usual on this occasion due to a UEFA ruling. I’d still like to see a new right back but won’t complain if Wilko plays like that again, I think the bigger need is on the other side though as Wilson seemed a bit exposed against the pace of the opposition wingers.

Man of the Match... © Gareth Copley/Getty Images Europe

Wingers – Jermaine and Matty both looked a little leggy from the off to be honest but both were still effective when on the ball. We used the ball quite well I thought, though I found the wingers both coming very narrow which gave us fewer options, it may also have been because the full backs had the beating of them after the first half, pace wise. We normally thrive with the two wingers on the break but we only really had one or two good breaks with genuine width, I probably shouldn’t complain, a break is the result of the away team attacking the final third but Split really didn’t do it often enough for us to take advantage.

Hajduk’s Fans – I thought they were great! From singing their songs as they were lead into the ground to the orchestrated songs and clapping they brought a real European feel to the proceedings, especially when the flares came out which I personally think look brilliant on a European night under the floodlights, it’s certainly something I’ve ever witnessed in person.

Atmosphere... © Gareth Copley/Getty Images Europe

Away Leg – Whilst we could have won by three or four, the fact we got a goal and, perhaps just as importantly, managed to keep a clean sheet, puts us in an excellent position as we travel to Croatia to finish the job off. Let’s hope the players aren’t too fazed by the hostile atmosphere and manage to nick another early goal meaning that Split would have to go all out to score three. Our fitness will be much better, all the players from the first game are available too so we have every chance of progressing into the next round of this historic competition.

If you’re lucky enough to be going to Split, please be safe and stick with the rest of the fans in the designated areas and cheer the lads in the red and white until you can no longer speak to make it a night for us all to remember.

Vis Unita Fortior

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