Phil Jagielka gave his old boss Neil Warnock a welcome back to front line football by setting Stoke City on their way to a much-needed and important win.
Jagielka, who was handed his senior debut by Warnock almost 23 years ago, got the vital first goal for Stoke in a crunch game against Huddersfield at the bottom of the Championship. The 40-year-old centre-back leapt highest to head a 13th-minute Will Smallbone corner into the roof of the net.
The visitors’ task became all that much harder when Will Boyle was dismissed for two yellow cards – pulling back Jacob Brown and swinging an arm at Dwight Gayle – mid-way through the second half.
REACTION: Stoke City 3 Huddersfield 0
And Brown took advantage when he beat Tomas Vaclik at the second attempt from close range after good work from Tyrese Campbell.
It was three in added time when Brown was tripped by Tom Lees and substitute Lewis Baker slapped a penalty into the bottom left corner.
Warnock, who takes official charge of Huddersfield on Thursday, had hoped his side would reduce the points gap to Stoke to three points but in fact Stoke were comfortable winners and now have a nine-point advantage.
Alex Neil will sleep more easily before Saturday’s big game at Blackpool.
Here are the ratings from the bet365 Stadium.
Sarkic: Giving much-needed confidence to the Stoke back line and second clean sheet in a row. 7
Sterling: Adds a lot on the right, with ability to cover a lot of ground quickly. 7
Fox: Returned to left-back. A couple of frustrating moments but played his part in keeping Koroma quiet. 6
Jagielka: Headed in his second goal of the season as a welcome back to old boss Neil Warnock. 7
Wilmot: Swept up at times at the back and stepped into the game when he could. 7
Pearson: A couple of rusty moments but a welcome introduction in key role. Whacked long ranger too close to keeper. Booked. Warm reception as he was replaced. 7
Laurent: A 30-yarder wasn’t all that far wide of the top corner. Disciplined performance with occasional useful burst forward. 7
Smallbone: Worked hard, linked play and put in some useful corners, including for Jagielka goal. Clever crossfield pass earned that led to opener. 7
Campbell: Some dangerous acceleration down the left and always keen to work the keeper. Good work for second goal. 7
Brown: Couldn’t quite poke Gayle cross past Vaclik in first half. Made sure he got it home at second attempt in second half. 7
Gayle: Some useful touches as he led the line, trying to link with Campbell and Brown. 6
Substitutes
Thompson (for Pearson, 75): Keen to move ball around quickly to take advantage of the extra man. 6
Baker (for Smallbone, 82): Booked before confidently dispatching injury time penalty. 6
Tuanzebe (for Jagielka, 82): Nice time to make your debut and first appearance in 13 months. Good reception from his new supporters. 6
Tezgel (for Gayle, 82): More minutes for the teenager with some useful play in good areas. 6
Not used: Bonham, Reddin, Adebambo.
Referee: James Linington (Isle of Wight) 6
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